AUSTIN – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball was unable to hold on to an early lead as the Lions dropped the series opener at St. Edward's Friday, 8-3.
The Lions struck first in the second, when catcher Ryan Riggs put the Lions on the board with an RBI single. UAFS added a second run on an RBI fielder's choice by infielder Jordon Helm to score in fielder Matt Schilling.
However, the Hilltoppers scored seven runs over the next three innings, including four in the bottom of the third before chasing starter Grant Shankle in the fourth. Only three of the seven runs allowed by Shankle were earned as the Lions tied their season-high with four errors.
UAFS got one run back in the fifth when outfielder Blayse Quarnstrom scored on a wild pitch before the Hilltoppers added an insurance run in the seventh.
The bullpen allowed just one run in 4.1 innings with Lukas Petross and Devon Chapa each tossing scoreless innings.
Quarnstrom, infielder Nico Patrick and outfielder Brandon Ulmer all had two hits each for the Lions.
The series continues Saturday with a doubleheaders starting at noon.