ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Missouri Western baseball went toe-to-toe with Rogers State but faltered late in a 7-4 loss Saturday at the Spring Sports Complex.

The Hillcats (12-11) struck early with 3 runs in the top of the first but the Griffons (4-16) responded with 2 runs in the bottom half of the opening frame on 2-out RBI hits from Brendan Anderson and Will Courtney and  to make it a 3-2 game after 1 inning. 

Western tacked on two more runs in the 4th inning when Zach Hanlan's RBI double to left field scored Andersen to tie the game at 3.  Chaz Verduzco's followed it up with an RBI bunt single to give the Griffons a 4-3 lead after 4. 

Rogers would tie the game in top of the 5th and then take the lead in the 8th before tacking on 2 more runs in the 9th. Reigning NCBWA Central Region Pitcher of the Week Jordan Ewig went the distance for the Hillcats, striking out 8 Griffons and allowing 4 runs on 9 hits. 

Western got solid production from the middle of its order with its 3-4-5 trio of Rumachik, Anderson and Courtney picking up 2 hits a piece.

Game 2 of the 3-game series is set for Saturday in St. Joseph. First pitch is scheduled for 12pm Sunday.