LAREDO, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball dropped the first game of its series at Texas A&M International Friday, falling 9-3 to the Dustdevils.

The Lions struck first by getting a two-out single by second baseman Mac Moody followed by an RBI double by third baseman Brooks Sunny, but that would be the only run of the inning for the Lions.

The Dustdevils then scored two runs each in the second, fourth and seventh innings to take a 6-2 lead, as starter Christopher Sauceda kept the Lions off the scoreboard after the first inning by tossing 6.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits with eight strikeouts.

UAFS got a pair of runs back in the eighth, when the first three batters reached base. Moody delivered an RBI double to left followed by a sacrifice fly by Sunny, but that rally ended two batters later. TAMIU then scored three insurance runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Moody led the Lions at the plate by going 2-for-5 with a run and an RBI, while Sunny was 1-for-3 with two RBIs. Outfielder Cash Balentine had two hits and a run, as well.

Brayden Ross got the start for the Lions, allowing four runs on five hits with three punchouts over 3.1 innings. Jakob Petross threw three scoreless innings of relief, striking out three while surrendering four hits.

The Lions will look to even the series Saturday in game one of the doubleheader, which is slated to begin at 1 p.m.