OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – The Rogers State baseball team was held to four hits by host Mid-America Christian as the Evangels defeated the Hillcats, 5-1, on Tuesday at James Curtis Field.
 
After tying the score at 1-1, MACU plated the final four runs to take the 5-1 win. Nine Hillcats were left on base in the game.
 
MACU scored first with a run in the bottom of the first inning. A single plated the one run for the 1-0 score.
 
RSU tied the score at 1-1 in the sixth inning due to an error at second base allowed Danny Donoghue to score. With two runners on and one out, the Hillcats couldn't add to the scoring as the game remained tied at 1-1.
 
After loading the bases on three walks, the Evangels took the lead with an RBI ground out for a 2-1 edge. The margin grew to 4-1 with a two-RBI single to left field.
 
The Hillcats had their opportunities in the seventh and eighth innings. In the seventh, two Cats reached to start the inning on a single by Chris Miguel and Samuel Davison was hit by a pitch. However, RSU hit into a double play then a fly out to left field ended the inning. With two outs in the eighth, the Hillcats loaded the bases, but a liner to second base erased the chance for RSU.
 
MACU added one more run in the eighth inning on a solo home run to right field.
 
Cole Chandler made his second straight midweek start of the season going three innings with five strikeouts and three hits. Zach Tyson pitched two innings without allowing a hit. Landon Nealon faced two batters, and Justin Magstadt came in to pitch the final three innings.
 
MACU's starter Zach Carley went six innings and allowed only one hit and one unearned run. The Evangel pitching staff held RSU to only four hits and the one unearned run.
 
Colton Crocker, Caleb Kohlmeyer, Garrett Hall and Miguel each had one hit.
 
The Hillcats (16-12) return to Claremore for a three-game Heartland Conference series against UA Fort Smith on Friday and Saturday at the Diamond Sports Complex. The series starts with a doubleheader on Friday at 2 p.m. Coverage will be available on the Hillcat Network at www.rsuhillcats.com/live.