A late rally by Rogers State fell short as the Hillcats lost their home opener 7-5, to Cameron in frigid temperatures at Hillcat Field on Friday.
Trailing 7-2, in the eighth inning, RSU scored three runs on three hits to draw within two runs and looked poised to edge even closer. The Hillcats had runners on first and third before Cameron pitcher Eric Griggs forced RSU left fielder Ryan Littlejohn into an inning-ending groundout.
Aggie closer Ryan Bengert retired the Hillcats in order in the ninth to earn the save.
Cameron struck first, scoring four runs on four hits in the third inning. RSU answered with two runs in the bottom of the third but the Aggies held the Hillcats in check until the eighth. Senior Eric Bunch and Junior Andrew Sherman had three hits a piece to lead the Hillcats. Bevon Anderson earned the win for Cameron. Senior Brent took the loss for RSU.
The two teams will complete their three-game series with a doubleheader on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.