FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith scored five runs in the first two innings but was unable to make the early lead hold up in an 11-6 loss to Eastern New Mexico in the series opener Thursday at Crowder Field.

After the Greyhounds tallied three runs in the top of the first, the Lions answered back with two runs in the bottom half of the inning.

Designated hitter Dan Taylor led off with a single followed by a double by outfielder Michael Brinton to put two runners in scoring position. First baseman Nico Patrick and infielder Matt Schilling followed with back-to-back sacrifice flies to pull the Lions within one.

Starter Lukas Petross kept the Greyhounds off the board in the second, allowing the Lions to take the lead with three runs. Catcher Junior Torres tied the game with an RBI single with Taylor following with his second hit to put the Lions ahead, 4-3. Taylor later scored on a wild pitch for a 5-3 lead.

ENMU got one run back in the fourth, but the Lions grew the lead back to two when Blayse Quarnstrom drove in a run via a sac fly.

However, the Greyhounds tied the game at 6-6 in the top of the sixth and would go on to score in each of the final four innings.

UAFS loaded the bases in both the seventh and eighth innings but was unable to push a run across.

Petross pitched 5.1 innings, allowing six runs on three hits and three walks. Brayden Ross suffered the loss in relief after allowing four runs in 1.2 innings.

Taylor led the Lions at the plate by going 3-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, while Quarnstrom and infielder Noah Davis each had two hits.

The Lions and Greyhounds meet again Friday for a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.