Rogers State fell behind 7-0 in the early going and never recovered as the Hillcats lost 8-5 to University of the Ozarks (Clarksville, Ark.) at the Hillcat Complex on Monday.
The Eagles touched RSU starter Tyler Whitaker for seven runs on six hits over the first three innings. Freshman Creston Moon relieved Whitaker in the third, but allowed two more hits before getting out of the inning. Moon would settle in after that, allowing just one run over the next five innings to give the Hillcats a chance to climb back into the game.
Eric Bunch put the Hillcats on the scoreboard with a two-run homer to left in the third inning. RSU cut the lead to 8-5 with a three-run seventh. However, RSU left the bases loaded and the Eagles retired the Hillcats in order over the final two innings to seal the victory.
Whitaker (3-3) suffered the loss as Ozarks starter Bruce Cameron (2-1) worked 6.2 innings to pick up the win. The Hillcats fell to 22-16 with the loss and will try to rebound against Bacone College tomorrow afternoon. RSU will host Bacone in a nine inning contest beginning at 2 p.m. at the Hillcat Complex.