DURANT, Okla. – Rogers State baseball (21-21) took a 15-14 upset win over Southeastern Oklahoma State (28-15) on Tuesday.
After both starters worked scoreless opening frames, the Hillcats exploded for seven runs in the top of the second to dash out to an early 7-0 run. Marco Barrera got things started with a two RBI double to center bringing in Ethan Rivera and Kyle Simms. Jesse Holguin plated Barrera and Gavin Mestas with a two RBI single to left center. Joel Escalante capped off the inning with a three-run homer over the right field fence that scored Holguin and Jonathan Soto.
The Savage Storm got two runs back in the bottom half to trim the lead to 7-2. The first run came on a RBI groundout back to the pitcher, with the second run coming on a RBI single to center.
RSU tacked on two more runs in the third to push back out to 9-2. Holguin again brought in Mestas this time with a RBI groundout to the shortstop. Escalante plated Soto with a RBI single though the right side of the infield.
SEOSU put up four runs in the top of the fourth to cut into the lead 9-6. The first two runs scored on a fielding error by the left fielder. The other two runs crossed home on a RBI double down the left field line and a RBI single up the middle.
The Hillcats responded with a run in the fifth inning to go up 10-6. Soto scored on a Holguin double down the right field line. They added two more runs in the top of the sixth to push out to a 12-6 lead. Mestas plated Barrera and Rivera with a two RBI triple to left center.
The Savage Storm trimmed the lead to 12-9 with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. The first run scored on a sacrifice fly to left, the other two runs scored on a throwing error by the second baseman and a sacrifice fly to right.
RSU answered back with two runs in the top of the seventh to extended the lead to 14-9. Holguin launched a solo homer to right center for the first run. Skyler Nelson crossed home on a RBI fielder's choice from Conner Womack.
SEOUSU got a run back in the bottom half of the seventh to pull back within four runs at 14-10. The run scored on a solo homer to right center.
The Hillcats went back up 15-10 with a run in the top of the eighth. Holguin went yard again with another solo shot to right center.
The Savage Storm cut the lead again to 15-13 with three runs in the bottom of the eighth. All three runs came on a three-run home run to right center.
SEOSU tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, but could only scratch across one run to give RSU the 15-14 victory. The final run scored on a sacrifice fly to center.
Brent Dickey (3-1) earned the win, with Octavio Sanchez (6) earning the save. Dillon Bumgarner (0-1) took the loss.
The Hillcats return to action on Thursday, April 21 as they welcome Washburn to the Diamond Sports Complex for a three-game series. First pitch for game one is set for 3 p.m.
