CLAREMORE, Okla. -- The Northwest Missouri State University baseball team dropped its first game of the three-game series with Rogers State, 7-4. 

Northwest drops to 11-16 overall and 3-11 in the MIAA. Rogers State improves to 15-10 overall and 7-7 in conference play. 

Six Bearcats tallied hits in the game, along with four registering multi-hit performances. 

Northwest's offense wasted no time in the first inning, notching two runs on the scoreboard. Following singles by Cole Slibowski and Alex Bowers, Trey Morris reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Slibowski to cross home plate. Soon after, Brady Miles brought Bowers home with a sacrifice fly, granting the 'Cats a 2-0 lead. Rogers State managed to add a run in the bottom half, narrowing the score to 2-1.

In the bottom of the second inning, the Hillcats surged ahead on a wild pitch and a runner stealing home. Jake Mitchell of RSU then added to their lead with a triple, bringing in another run. Quinn Mason was relieved for Brock Steggall, who closed out the game for the Bearcats. Steggall took over for Mason with two outs in the inning. RSU managed to score five runs, resulting in a 6-2 lead after two innings.

RSU grabbed an insurance run in the fourth. 

Back-to-back doubles By Ryan Williams and Morris to lead off the seventh made it a four-run game. 

Williams notched his first career triple to lead off the ninth inning. Morris then grabbed his third RBI of the day when he singled home Williams. 

Mason (2-3) took the loss, going 1 2/3 innings and allowing six earned runs on five hits. Steggall closed out his afternoon with four strikeouts. 

Northwest will return to action tomorrow with a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Sunday's game was moved up to Saturday because of the threat of rain on Sunday.

NOTES:
Morris registered two hits with three RBI...Williams went 3-for-4 with a double and triple...Slibowski went 2-for-4 with a walk.