FORT SMITH, Ark. - Rogers State baseball (17-9, 7-7 MIAA) could not complete the comeback in the mid-week series opener against Arkansas-Fort Smith (9-18, 4-13 MIAA) as they came up short 8-6 on Tuesday.

After a scoreless first inning, the Lions broke the game open early with five runs in the second inning. The first run scored on a throwing error by the shortstop with a grand slam coming two at-bats later. 

The Hillcats were able to get one run back in the third to trim the deficit to 5-1. Andres Mitat led off the frame with a double to left center. He later scored on a Carson Cheatwood groundout to first.

UAFS tacked on three more runs in the fifth to extend the advantage out to 8-1 with an RBI single and a two-run homer. 

RSU's offense began to wake up in the seventh as they pushed across four runs to cut the lead to within three at 8-5. Andrew Ramirez reached on a throwing error by the shortstop to open the inning. Weston Peninger drove him in with a single through the left side of the infield. After Jake Mitchell earned a four-pitch walk, Tyler Nelson laced a two-out double to right center that scored both Peninger and Mitchell. Cheatwood returned the favor as he plated Nelson with an RBI single to center.

The Hillcats tried to continue the comeback in the top of the ninth, but were only able to get one run as Mitat scored on a 4-3 double play and set the final score at 8-6.

Chase Pair (2-2) earned the win, with Grant Shankle (1) picking up the save. Cole Abbott (1-2) took the loss.

RSU will continue the road trip on Friday, March 28 as they travel to Maryville, Mo. for a three-game series against Northwest Missouri. First pitch for game one is set for 3 p.m.