EMPORIA, Kan. – Rogers State baseball (13-9, 5-6 MIAA) fell 12-2 in the first game of the three-game set against Emporia State (13-12, 4-7 MIAA) on Friday.
 
The game began as a pitchers' duel as neither starter allowed a run in the first three innings. Colton Anderson only allowed one hit and left one runner stranded over that span. The Hornets starter also only allowed one hit in those frames.
 
ESU broke the game open in the bottom of the fourth as they exploded for eight runs to jump out to an 8-0 lead. An infield single scored the first run with a bases loaded walk bringing in the second one. A grand slam brought in the next four. A sacrifice fly and single to left scored the final two.
 
The Hillcats finally got on the board in the seventh to cut the deficit to 8-2. Ryan Tiger plated Joel Escalante with a single to third base. Ramon Torres later singled through the right side, allowing Jake Mitchell to cross home.
 
The Hornets added a run in the bottom half to go back up 9-2. The run scored from third on a fielder's choice.
 
They closed out the game with two final runs in the eighth to claim the 12-2 win. An error by the second baseman and a two RBI single up the middle brought in the runs.
 
Cade Barton (2-3) earned the win. Colton Anderson (2-3) took the loss.
 
RSU will look to rebound in the second game of the series tomorrow. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.