CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 21 Rogers State baseball (28-5, 16-3 MIAA) fell to No. 4 Central Missouri (25-6, 16-4 MIAA), 13-1, in a run-rule decision Thursday night at Crane Stadium.

The Hillcats' lone run came in the second inning, when Nathan Gutierrez delivered an RBI triple.

By the time Rogers State got on the board, following a single by Jake Mitchell and Gutierrez's RBI triple, Central Missouri had already built a 4-1 lead. The Mules maintained control throughout, holding the Hillcats in check while extending the lead to 9-1 in the fourth inning. 

Andrew Ramirez and Trevor Spainhoward each recorded a hit, but the Hillcats were unable to match the Mules' offensive efforts. Central Missouri sealed the win with four runs in the seventh inning, outhitting Rogers State 16-4. 

On the mound, senior pitchers Cole Abbott and Zach Horwith each worked three innings. Horwith started and allowed six runs on eight hits while striking out four and walking three. Abbott relieved in the fourth, surrendering seven runs on eight hits with three strikeouts and one walk. 
 

UP NEXT
The Hillcats will look to bounce back against the Mules on Friday, April 3, in game two of the three-game series at Crane Stadium. First pitch has been moved up to 1 p.m. due to possible inclement weather.