CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (13-7, 5-5 MIAA) couldn't overcome an early 4-0 deficit and fell 5-1 against No. 10 Missouri Southern (21-4, 9-1 MIAA) on Tuesday.
 
The Lions wasted no time taking control of the game with three runs in the first inning to go up 3-0. A double to left center scored the first run with a two RBI single to right bringing in the other two runs.
 
MSSU added another run in the third to push out to a 4-0 advantage. A single to right plated the run from second.
 
Southern pushed across one final run in the top of the sixth as a solo home run on a 0-1 pitch gave them a 5-0 lead.
 
The Hillcats were finally able to see some offensive success in the bottom of the fifth as they cut the deficit down to 5-1, but that would be as close as they would get. Three straight singles loaded the bases to start the frame. Facing a 1-2 count, Geovanni Blackshaw drove in Jake Mitchell with a fielder's choice to third.
 
Alex Baker (1-0) earned the win. Nate Wolhgemuth (0-3) took the loss. However, the trio of Landon Riley, Octavio Sanchez and Dean Grisham turned in solid performances out of the bullpen as they combined to only allow one run on two hits over 5.0 innings with three strikeouts and no walks.
 
RSU will look to rebound on Friday, March 15 as they travel to Emporia, Kan. to begin a three-game series against Emporia State. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.