CANYON, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball scored three runs in the seventh to tie the game but faltered in the final innings, dropping a 5-4 decision in game one in a best-of-three series at West Texas A&M in the opening round of the Lone Star Conference Championship.

The Lions' bats were kept quiet over the first six innings before finally breaking through in the seventh. Catcher Ryan Riggs hustled down the line for a one-out infield single to start the rally, with shortstop Jordon Helm singling through the right side to put two runners on with two outs.

Outfielder Brandon Ulmer then singled up the middle to put the Lions on the board, followed by a two-run double by second baseman Noah Davis to tie the game and seemingly give the momentum to the Lions.

However, the Buffaloes took advantage of two walks and two hit by pitches to reclaim a 5-3 lead in the bottom half of the inning.

UAFS got one run back in the eighth as outfielder Blayse Quarnstrom slapped a single to left to pull the Lions within 5-4. UAFS had the tying run on second but it was left stranded to end the frame.

The Lions had one last chance in the ninth, getting a one-out walk from Davis, but the Buffs closed the door to take a 1-0 series lead.

WT scored twice in the first and added a third run in the second off starter Rile Lowry, who tossed three-plus innings.

Luke Davenport came on in relief in the fourth and escaped a no out, bases loaded jam to keep the Lions in the game. He stranded a runner at third in all three of his innings of relief.

Game two of the series is set for 3 p.m. at Wilder Park.