FORT SMITH, Ark. – No. 10 St. Edward's took the opener from University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball Saturday. 7-2, by outhitting the Lions, 18-6.
The Lions struck first on back-to-back doubles in the opening frame by outfielders Blayse Quarnstrom and Michael Brinton, but the Hilltoppers evened the game at 1-1 in the top of the second.
St. Edward's then tallied single runs in the fifth and sixth innings before Brinton hit a solo homer to right center to pull UAFS back within 3-2.
However, the Hilltoppers added four insurance runs off the UAFS bullpen in the eighth for the final tally.
Brinton had two of the Lions six hits and both RBIs. Lukas Petross started on the mound for the Lions and pitched five innings, allowing two runs on nine hits.
The series continues Sunday with a doubleheader beginning at 2 p.m. at Crowder Field.