PITTSBURG, Kan. – No. 5 Rogers State (37-9, 25-7 MIAA) suffered its first run-rule loss of the season Friday, falling to No. 7 Pittsburg State (36-8, 23-8 MIAA) [SCORE] at Al Ortolani Field.

After recording 13 run-rule victories this season, the Hillcats received their first run-rule loss by the Gorillas. Pittsburg State struck in the first with a sacrifice fly and RBI single, then added three more runs in the third, aided by two Rogers State errors, to build a 5-0 lead.

The Hillcats broke through in the fifth when Zak Nelson doubled to move Nathan Gutierrez to third, and Blake Conrad followed with a ground out to bring Gutierrez home, cutting the deficit to 5-1.

Pittsburg State responded with eight runs in the bottom of the inning to extend its lead to 13-1. The Hillcats managed just three hits, while the Gorillas totaled 10, ending the game after seven innings.

Rogers State used three pitchers in Saturday's game. Dillon Dibrell started for the Hillcats seeing 3.2 innings where he recorded a 5.73 ERA alongside one strikeout and four walks. Dylan Weddle followed, surrendering five runs on two hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch. Cole Abbott worked the final 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks.

NEXT UP

The Hillcats and Gorillas meet again tomorrow to finish out the series. First pitch is set for 12 PM at Al Ortolani Field.