CLAREMORE, Okla. — No. 7 Rogers State baseball (31-6, 19-4 MIAA) fell to No. 23 Northwest Missouri State  (27-10, 17-6 MIAA) with a final score of 4-1 in the series opener on Thursday at RCB Bank Sports Complex. 

Northwest took an early lead in the second inning when John Connors walked and was advanced by a sacrifice bunt. Parker Griffith's single to left center brought Connors home, giving the Bearcats a 1-0 lead through two innings.

The fifth inning saw a pivotal moment as Frank Gall's two-run homer extended the Bearcats' lead to 3-0. RSU was unable to respond in the bottom half, leaving the score unchanged.

The Bearcats added another run in the sixth inning. Wilmer Jimenez scored on a bases-loaded walk by Chester Brooks, pushing their advantage to 4-0.

The Hillcats got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning. Jake Mitchell doubled and advanced to third on a balk. Luis Fuentes singled to right field, allowing Mitchell to score. This reduced the deficit to 4-1 after seven innings.

Despite the Hillcats' efforts, including the tying run at the plate in the bottom of the inning, they were unable to close the gap in the final innings, resulting in a 4-1 victory for NWMSU.

Zach Horwith (5-2) started on the mound for RSU, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on five hits. He recorded five strikeouts and walked five batters across his 95 pitches. Elijah Knowlton shined from the bullpen, pitching 3.2 innings with three strikeouts and allowing just one hit on 39 pitches, demonstrating effective control with 27 strikes.

Andrew Ramirez recorded two hits in his performance, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Mitchell also tallied two hits, including a double, and scored a run during the game. Kade Goeke added a hit and reached base with a double.

RSU and NWMSU will run it back tomorrow with game two of the series at 1 p.m.