CLAREMORE, Okla. - Rogers State baseball (21-13, 11-11 MIAA) couldn't complete the comeback against Arkansas-Fort Smith (11-24, 6-19 MIAA) as they came up short 3-2 in the middle game of the mid-week MIAA series on Tuesday.

The game looked to be a pitchers' duel from the outset as both starters were lights out in the first three innings, scattering a combined one hit and only leaving two runners stranded.

However, the Lions' offense woke up in the fourth inning as they pushed across three runs to break the seal with a 3-0 lead on a two-RBI double and a sacrifice fly.

The Hillcats got a run back in the fifth to cut the deficit to 3-1 as Blake Nichols doubled down the right field line to lead things off. Jake Mitchell followed suit with a double down the left field line, bringing in Nichols.

RSU added another run in the seventh to get within one run at 3-2. Andres Mitat got on with a one-out single through the left side of the infield, with Mitchell blasting a ball off the first baseman's outstretched mitt for a base hit to move him to second. Tyler Nelson later drove in Mitat with a single through the left side of the infield.

Chase Pair (4-2) earned the win. Cole Abbott (1-4) took the loss, and despite the one bad inning was solid in his 7.0 inning start only allowing three runs on three hits with three strikeouts. Blake Johnson was also excellent out of the bullpen with a shutdown, 2.0-inning outing with no hits and a strikeout.

The Hillcats are back in action on Friday, April 11 as they open up a three-game series against Pittsburg State inside the friendly confines of the RCB Bank Sports Complex. First pitch is set for 2 p.m.