CLAREMORE, Okla. — Sammy Harris' home run highlighted the Hillcat baseball's (3-1) 6-4 victory over the University of Mary (1-3) on Sunday at RCB Bank Sports Complex. 

With the win, RSU claimed the season-opening series, 3-1. 

The game began with both teams held scoreless in the first inning, as the Hillcats saw Kade Goeke single, but failed to capitalize further. In the third inning, RSU took the lead when Blake Conrad walked and later scored on a groundout by Harris, making it 1-0.

Mary responded in the fourth with back-to-back home runs from Bryce Leafgren and Marcus Butts, giving them a 2-1 advantage. 

After UMary extended the lead to 3-1 in the top of the sixth, RSU rallied to tie it 3-3 with a Harris solo shot, followed by a sacrifice fly by Trevor Spainhoward to tie the game at 3-3. 

Following a Leafgren's second homer in the seventh, Hillcats took the lead as Goeke and Tyler Nelson both reached base and scored on a two-RBI single by Harris. Harris then crossed the plate on a wild pitch, increasing the lead to 6-4.

RSU maintained their lead through the final innings, as Ricardo Landeros pitched a scoreless ninth, securing the 6-4 victory for the Cats'.

Cole Abbott started strong for RSU, pitching 4.0 innings while allowing two earned runs on seven hits and striking out three batters. Mason Trotter followed with the three innings of relief, conceding two runs on two hits. Landeros closed the game with two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out three.

RSU will return to action on Tuesday in Ada at 2 p.m. to take on East Central.