AUSTIN, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball dropped its series opener at St. Edward's Friday, 14-4, at Lucian-Hamilton Field.

UAFS trailed just 5-3 after five innings, but the Hilltoppers scored nine times in the final three frames, including five in the eighth. St. Edward's hit four homers on the afternoon.

St. Edward's struck first in the bottom of the opening inning by scoring twice, then added a single run in the second. The Lions would get two back in the top of the third on an RBI single by third baseman Brooks Sunny and an RBI double by designated hitter Kaleb Shaffer.

However, the Hilltoppers once again had a three-run lead after the bottom of the third due to a two-run homer.

After a scoreless fourth, Sunny drove in another run with a single in the fifth but a double play ended the rally early. UAFS scored its final run on an RBI single by second baseman Mac Moody in the seventh.

Outfielder Hunter Church, Sunny and Shaffer all went 2-for-4 at the plate, with Church scoring two runs.

Starter Brayden Ross took the loss on the mound after allowing five runs on six hits over 2.1 innings while striking out four. Dylan Parham went three scoreless innings in relief before giving up a run and finished with four runs on two hits with three walks over 4.0 innings.

The Lions and Hilltoppers continue the series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.