Box Score JOPLIN, Mo. - Rogers State baseball (26-18, 16-16 MIAA) posted more hits than Missouri Southern State (24-22, 16-16 MIAA), where RSU recorded 10 hits to the Lions eight hits, but lost game 2 of the series 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
 
"I thought we competed hard all day," said head coach Chris Klimas. "Colton Anderson and the bullpen pitched well enough to win, but we just didn't execute well enough on offense. When you are playing a quality opponent, little things matter, and we just weren't good enough today. We talk all year about putting ourselves in a position to be playing meaningful baseball in late April and May. We have put ourselves in a position that we determine our fate, from here on out, which is all you can ask for. Tomorrow is a huge game for both teams, and if Christopher Spry can give us a quality start in the bullpen, I believe we will be in good shape to win the series."
 
The Lions scored a run in the bottom of the first inning. A wild pitch in the top of the fourth inning allowed Weston Peninger to score and tie the game at 1-1.
 
MSSU scored a run in the bottom of the fifth and the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 3-1 lead. 
 
In the top of the seventh inning, the Hillcats cut the two-run deficit to a run when Carson Cheatwood collected an RBI single, which resulted in a run scored by Jake Mitchell. But both teams did not allow another run, and played superb defense, resulting in the Lions winning 3-2.
 
Anderson (7-4) took the loss, but threw four strikeouts. Casey Stalzer (4-2) earned the win.
 
RSU returns to action tomorrow when they play MSSU in game three of the three-game series in Joplin. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.