TYLER, Texas – Nico Patrick hit a late three-run home run for University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball Friday, but the Lions came up short in an 11-5 defeat at UT Tyler.

The Patriots took the lead in the top of the first and then added three runs in the fourth for a 4-0 lead.

UAFS took advantage on a pair of walks, an error and a wild pitch to score twice in the bottom of the fifth, bringing the Lions to within 4-2.

However, the Patriots added four insurance runs in the seventh and two more in the eighth. Patrick then homered down the right field line in the bottom of the eighth for the final tally.

Patrick had two of the six hits for the Lions while Noah Davis had an RBI and a run scored, as well.

Devon Chapa started on the mound for the Lions, tossing four-plus innings and surrendering four runs on nine hits with a pair of strikeouts.

The Lions and Patriots conclude the series Saturday at noon.