FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball scored seven runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie as the Lions went on to an 11-6 win in the series opener Friday against UT Permian Basin at Crowder Field.

The Lions initially broke the tie on a Falcon error and then made it 6-4 after outfielder Brandon Ulmer got an RBI after getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. The big blow for the Lions came off the bat of catcher Kade Brewer, who blasted a 2-2 pitch over the scoreboard in left for a grand slam.

UAFS wasn't done scoring in the inning, as infielder Noah Davis followed with a single to center and came around to score on a double to left by infielder Mason Reynolds. Six of the seven runs came with two outs.

UTPB started the scoring by tallying a run in the top of the first, but starter Lukas Petross settled in to keep the Falcons off the scoreboard until the fifth.

The Lions took the lead with three runs on the bottom of the second, receiving a solo home run by outfielder Michael Brinton and RBI singles by Reynolds and designated hitter Dan Taylor.

Reynolds finished 3-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored, while Taylor went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI. First baseman Nico Patrick also had two RBIs.

The Falcons tied the game with two runs in the fifth, only for UAFS to retake the lead on an RBI single by Patrick. UTPB tied it once again in the sixth before the Lions broke through for their big inning.

Petross tossed 7.0 innings on the mound, allowing four runs on seven hits with five strikeouts to earn his second win of the season.

The Lions and Falcons continue the series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m.