ALVA, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (22-22) couldn't complete the comeback on Tuesday as they fell 4-3 to Northwestern Oklahoma State (29-17) in the non-conference finale.
 
The Hillcats took an early 1-0 lead out of the gates. AJ Folds earned a one out walk and then proceeded to steal second to get things started. He later scored on a throwing error by the pitcher.
 
The Rangers responded in the bottom of the first with three runs to jump in front 3-1. The first run scored on an error by the shortstop. A RBI single to left brought in the next run with the third run coming in on a wild pitch.
 
NWOSU tacked on another run in the third to go up 4-1 with a RBI single to left.
 
RSU got a run back in the top of the fourth to cut the deficit to 4-2. Jake Mitchel led off the frame after being hit by a pitch. With one out, Matthew Delgado plated Mitchell with a double to left center.
 
The game devolved into a pitchers' duel of the next four innings with neither pitching staff allowing a run. In that span, Alek Trukki and Andrew Howard combined to scatter three hits and leave five runners stranded. Likewise, the Rangers also scattered three hits with three runners left stranded.
 
In the top of the ninth, the Hillcats attempted to mount a comeback as Gabe Russell led of the inning with a walk. Delgado put runners on the corners with a single to right center. Russell later scored on a 3-6-1 double play to pull within one run at 4-3. Ryan Tiger singled to left center to bring the game winning run to plate. Unfortunately, a strike out ended the scoring threat and the game.
 
Cade Phelps (3-1) earned the win. Christopher Spry (2-4) took the loss.
 
The Hillcats will close out the regular season on the road beginning on Friday, April 26 as they travel to St. Joseph, Mo. for the final MIAA series against Missouri Western. First pitch of game one is set for 6 p.m.