HOUSTON – Lubbock Christian hit three home runs as the Chaparrals defeated University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball, 9-3, Saturday at Minute Maid Park on day two of the Houston Winter Invitational.

The Chaps (1-1) struck first on a solo homer in the second, and added a second run in the top of the third.

UAFS (1-1) pulled within 2-1 in the bottom of the fourth, after senior catcher Dylan Hurt doubled to the left field corner and scored on an RBI single by junior first baseman Nolan Riley.

However, the Chaps answered with a pair of two-run homers in the fifth and sixth to extend the lead to 6-2.

The Lions scored a single run again in the seventh, when junior leftfielder Hunter Church laced a two-out double to left, scoring sophomore third baseman Brooks Sunny, who reached on an infield single.

LCU then went on to add insurance runs in the eighth and ninth. Freshman reliever Lukas Petross entered in the eighth with the bases loaded and no outs, and held the Chaps to one run on a sac fly. Petross also tossed the ninth in his collegiate debut.

UAFS scored its second run in the fifth on an RBI single by sophomore centerfielder Cash Balentine.

Right-hander Brayden Johnson started for the Lions, pitching two innings, allowing one run with two strikeouts.

Relievers Cooper Van Kooten and Braiden Partin tossed three and two innings, respectively, each allowing three runs.

At the plate, Church went 2-for-3 with a walk, double and RBI. The Lions left six runners on base.

The Lions will conclude the Houston Winter Invitational Sunday at 2 p.m. against St. Mary's.