KINGSVILLE, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball had kept Texas A&M-Kingsville off the scoreboard for the first seven innings but the Javelinas scored five times in the eighth to defeat the Lions, 5-3, in the series opener Friday.

Lukas Petross earned the start for the Lions and turned in a strong outing on the mound, tossing six scoreless innings. He scattered six hits and struck out two. He got out of a bases loaded jam in his final inning by getting a flyout to center.

The Lions gave Petross the lead in the third, scoring an unearned run on a sacrifice fly by infielder Noah Davis. Outfielder Michael Brinton then doubled the lead with an RBI double down the right field line with infielder Matt Schilling driving in the final run on a fielder's choice after a single by catcher Nico Patrick.

Jakob Petross relieved his brother in the seventh, tossing a scoreless frame before the Javelinas tagged him for four two-out runs in the eighth. After the Javelinas loaded the bases, the Lions turned to Logan Grant to get out of the jam, but the Javelinas drew a walk then cleared the bases with a triple for a 5-3 lead.

TAMUK then struck out the side in the top of the ninth to prevent any UAFS rally.

Patrick had two of the four hits for the Lions.

The series continues Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m.