FORT SMITH, Ark. – Catcher Ryan Riggs hit a grand slam and infielder Eli Gilreath also homered as University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball defeated Rogers State, 8-6, in MIAA action at Crowder Field Tuesday.

The Lions pounced on the Hillcats with five runs in the second inning, as they scored on a throwing error before Riggs cleared the bases with a blast to right for his first home run of the season.

UAFS extended its lead to 8-1 in the fifth, as outfielder Cooper White led off the inning with a hit by pitch before scoring on an RBI single by infielder Dakota Peters. Gilreath then launched a two-run homer to left center for a three-run inning.

Rogers State threatened with four runs in the seventh, but Aden Almeida threw a scoreless eighth inning and Grant Shankle made a relief appearance in the ninth to escape a bases loaded jam to earn the save.

Chase Pair earned his second straight win in a midweek contest, allowing just one earned run over seven innings.

Peters led the Lions with two hits while both he and Gilreath scored two runs.

The Lions continue their homestand Friday against Washburn at 4 p.m.