FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball dropped a chilly series opener Saturday evening to West Texas A&M, falling 9-1 to the No. 3 Buffs at Crowder Field.

The Lions took an early 1-0 lead by scoring on a bases loaded walk by catcher Nico Patrick. However, that was all the Lions would get as they left the bases full.

UAFS held that 1-0 lead until the top of the third, when the Buffaloes scored three times with two outs. The Buffs added to their lead with another three-run inning in the fifth. They added single tallies in the sixth, seventh and ninth innings.

The Lions put two runners on to start the bottom of the ninth before the next three batters all struck out.

Starter Dylan Parham allowed five runs on seven hits in four innings, while reliever Brayden Ross threw the final five frames. Ross allowed four runs on four hits with six punchouts.

At the plate, both shortstop Brenden Williams and first baseman Nolan Riley had two hits apiece.

The series continues Sunday with a doubleheader at 1 p.m.