FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball offense exploded for 18 runs Friday as the Lions defeated Newman, 18-7, in eight innings at Crowder Field for their first MIAA win.

The Lions used a pair of big innings, scoring six times in the third and 10 in the fifth.

After falling behind 3-0 in the top of the third, the Lions got on the board in the bottom half on a two-run double by outfielder Cooper White. White tied the game on a wild pitch, and the Lions kept the line moving with two walks and RBI singles by outfielder JJ Young, infielder Eli Gilreath and catcher Ryan Riggs.

Newman got two runs back in the fourth, but the Lions broke the game open in the sixth. 12 of the first 13 batters reached safely, with the Lions getting a pair of two-run doubles by infielders Jordon Helm and Noah Davis.

Infielder Nico Patrick followed with another RBI double, with Young providing the big blow with a two-run homer to left center.

The Jets extended the game with single tallies in the sixth and seventh, but Davis sent the fans home early with a walk-off, two-run homer to left in the bottom of the eighth to run-rule the Jets.

Seven Lions scored at least two runs, including the first six in the batting order. White and Young each had three RBIs while Davis drove in four. White, Davis, Young and Gilreath all finished with three hits on the afternoon.

Brayden Ross worked his way through seven innings on the mound to earn his first win of the season, allowing seven runs on 12 hits with six strikeouts. Tanner Callahan pitched a scoreless eighth inning in relief with a pair of punchouts.

The Lions and Jets continue the series at Crowder Field Saturday at 1 p.m.