LAREDO, Texas – Catcher Ryan Riggs collected five hits and drove in three runs as University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball took the series opener at Texas A&M International Friday, 16-5.

Riggs' big hit came in the top of the third, when he hit a three-run homer to right to give the Lions a 5-0 lead. He added four singles and had two runs scored as he finished 5-for-6 at the plate. He was one of three Lions to drive in at least three runs.

All nine starters in the lineup tallied a hit, as the Lions tied their season high with 19. Infielders Nico Patrick and Matt Schilling each had three hits, while outfielders Michael Brinton and Blayse Quarnstrom each had two apiece. Patrick and Brinton each drove in three with Brinton and infielder Jordon Helm each scoring three times.

The Lions struck first in the opening frame, when Brinton drove in Patrick and Quarnstrom with a single to right.

TAMUI scored their first two runs in the third following the Riggs homer before the Lions got one back in the fifth on a bases loaded walk.

UAFS broke the game open in the top of the seventh, scoring five times to take a 10-2 advantage. The first eight batters of the inning all reached safely.

The Lions continued to tack on the runs in the late innings, with Patrick singling in two in the eighth. UAFS then added three more runs in the ninth.

Luke Davenport earned his fourth win of the season in relief, tossing four innings and allowing just one run on four hits with a pair of strikeouts.

The teams will continue the series Saturday with a doubleheader starting at noon.