CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (15-10, 6-8 MIAA) used a five-run second inning to take the first game of a three-game set 7-4 against Northwest Missouri State (11-16, 3-11 MIAA) on Friday.
 
The Bearcats wasted no time jumping on the board with an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first. A fielder's choice allowed the first run to score from third. A sacrifice fly to center brought in the other run.
 
The Hillcats answered back in the bottom half to cut the deficit to 2-1. With the bases loaded and one out, Jake Mitchell scored from third on an error by the third baseman.
 
In the second inning, RSU broke the game open as they exploded for five runs to take a 6-2 lead. Ramon Torres got things started as he crossed home on a wild pitch. Matthew Schure later stole home. On a 3-1 pitch, Mitchell laced a triple into right center, plating AJ Folds. Joel Escalante returned the favor as he brought in Mitchell with a sacrifice fly to center. Matthew Delgado capped off the frame as he scored from third on a wild pitch.
 
The Hillcats tacked on another run in the fourth to go up 7-2. Delgado drove in Mitchell with a RBI single.
 
Northwest got a run back in the seventh to cut the lead to 7-3. A double to center scored the run. They pushed across one more run in the top of the ninth to set the final score at 7-4 with RBI single to left.
 
Andres De Leon (2-1) earned the win after working the final 4.2 innings out of the bullpen, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts. Quinn Mason (2-3) took the loss.
 
Because of the potential for inclement weather on Sunday, the series will wrap up tomorrow with a doubleheader. First pitch for game one is set for 1 p.m. with the second game to follow approximately 30 minutes afterwards.