FORT SMITH, Ark. – An eight-run fifth inning was too much to overcome for University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Baseball, as the Lions dropped an 11-8 decision to Washburn Friday evening at Crowder Field.

The Lions jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the third inning after outfielder Cooper White hit an opposite field blast to tie the game and infielder Dakota Peters hit a three-run homer to put the Lions ahead.

UAFS added to their lead in the fourth on an RBI groundout by designated hitter Nico Patrick and a sacrifice fly by Peters.

However, the Ichabods tallied eight runs in the fifth to go ahead, 9-6. An RBI single by White in the fifth pulled the Lions within 9-7, but the Ichabods added two insurance runs in the seventh on a home run.

Infielder Matthew Schilling capped the scoring for the Lions in the ninth with an RBI single.

The Lions had an opportunity to score in the second, placing two runners on with no outs but both were left stranded.

Peters led the Lions with four RBIs while White went 2-for-3 with two runs and two driven in. Outfielder JJ Young added two hits while Schilling went 4-for-5 at the plate.

Grant Shankle started for the Lions, surrendering eight runs – four earned – on eight hits over 4.2 innings with three strikeouts.

Game two of the series is set for 1 p.m. Saturday.