EMPORIA, Kan. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Baseball scored six runs in the first two innings but was unable to hold on to an early lead in a 12-8 loss at Emporia State Friday.

The Lions pounded out 10 hits in the first two frames as they scored three runs in each inning. UAFS opened the game with three straight singles as infielder Matt Schilling drove in outfielder Sammy Seeger to open the scoring. The Lions added two more runs on a fielder's choice and an RBI single by catcher Ryan Riggs.

However, the Hornets answered with three runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning to knot it at three.

But the Lions responded in the top of the second, as infielder Noah Davis put the Lions back in front with an RBI double. Designated hitter Jackson Down and Riggs then added RBI singles to go up 6-3.

Once again, the Hornets tallied two runs to get within 6-5 and then tallied three runs each in the third and fourth as they went ahead, 11-6.

Down then homered in the sixth and outfielder JJ Young added an RBI double in the ninth but the Lions were unable to complete the comeback as they left runners stranded in each of the other innings.

Riggs finished 4-for-4 at the plate with two RBIs and a run scored while Schilling finished with three hits and two runs scored. Davis, Down and infielder Jordon Helm all collected two hits apiece.

Aden Almeida suffered the loss for the Lions in relief while right-hander Noah Brown allowed one run on just two hits over the final four frames.

Game two of the series is set for 2 p.m. Saturday.