FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith dropped its home opener Friday, falling 14-4 in eight innings to Emporia State at Crowder Field.
The Hornets jumped on the Lions with a two-run homer in the first inning as they took a 7-0 lead into the sixth inning.
UAFS rallied for four runs in the frame as the first four batters reached safely. The Lions got on the board with an RBI single from infielder Quinton Borders and then tacked on a second run on a fielder's choice.
Infielder Layne Sweat and pinch hitter Dylan Herriage then each picked up RBI singles as the Lions pulled within 7-4.
However, an error to start the seventh led to a six-run inning for the Hornets as they added a single tally in the eighth for the final margin.
Borders led the Lions with three hits at the plate as the Lions had eight on the afternoon. Infielder Landon Helm had two of the Lions' five walks.
Steffan Fak started on the mound for the Lions, allowing five runs on 10 hits with three strikeouts over 5.0 innings.
The teams matchup again Saturday at 1 p.m. from Crowder Field.