ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Rogers State baseball (22-23, 12-19 MIAA) couldn't hang on after a lengthy weather delay and fell 9-5 to Missouri Western (19-25, 10-21 MIAA) in the first game of the series on Thursday.

The Griffons got on the board first with a run in the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead thanks to a RBI single to right.

The Hillcats responded in the top of the second as they jumped in front 2-1. Gabe Russell led off the frame as he beat out a single to third base. Joel Escalante followed suit with a single to right field to put runners at the corners. Ryan Tiger loaded the bases with one out as he drew a 3-1 walk. Russell scored on a wild pitch. Royce Tsumura drove in Escalante with a single to right.

After a multiple hour weather delay, RSU added two more runs in the fourth inning to take a 4-1 lead. With two outs, Tsumura struck out but reached first on a passed ball and then moved to second on another passed ball. Richie Ponce put two runners on as he worked a full count walk. Matthew Schure plated both Tsumura and Ponce with a single to center.

Western exploded for five runs in the fifth inning to retake the lead at 6-4. Two RBI singles and a two RBI triple were responsible for the runs.

The Hillcats got a run back in the seventh inning to cut the deficit to 6-5 as AJ Folds stole home as part of a double steal with Matthew Delgado.

The Griffons sealed the 9-5 win with two final runs in the bottom of the eighth with a sacrifice fly to left and a RBI single to center.

Sam Kratz (4-3) earned the win. Andres De Leon (4-1) took the loss.

The Hillcats will look to even the series in game two on Saturday, April 27. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.