CLAREMORE, Okla. – The East Central University baseball team dropped a 9-7 midweek contest to Rogers State University on Tuesday evening in Claremore, as an early surge by the Hillcats proved to be the difference.
 
Rogers State wasted no time taking control, scoring five runs in the first inning and adding three more in the second to jump out to an 8-0 lead. The Tigers settled in defensively after the early innings, but faced a deficit heading into the middle frames.
 
ECU responded in a big way in the fifth inning, erupting for five runs to shift the momentum. Diego Sotelo got the Tigers on the board with an RBI fielder's choice before Max Tremblay doubled down the right field line to drive in another run. Ryan Strickland followed with an RBI single, and Joey Allen and Pryce Jackson each added RBI singles to cap the five-run frame and cut the deficit to 8-5.
 
The Tigers continued to chip away in the sixth when Tremblay came through again, delivering a two-RBI triple to pull ECU within one at 8-7. With momentum on their side, the Tigers looked poised to complete the comeback.
 
However, Rogers State answered with an insurance run in the seventh inning, and ECU was unable to push across the equalizer late. Despite outscoring the Hillcats 7-1 over the final five innings, the Tigers ultimately fell just short in the 9-7 decision.
 
Max Tremblay led the way, going 2-for-5 with a team-high three RBIs, including a two-RBI triple. Diego Sotelo finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Ryan Strickland delivered a perfect 2-for-2 performance with an RBI and three walks, reaching base five times. Tyler Akers added a 2-for-4 outing with a run scored and a walk. Joey Allen and Pryce Jackson each recorded an RBI, and Logan Jeske chipped in a hit and scored once as the Tigers mounted their comeback effort.
 
ECU used nine pitchers in the midweek contest, with Jameson Ross taking the loss after allowing five runs (three earned) in the opening inning. Kason Pruitt followed and surrendered three runs in relief before Easton Riddle recorded two outs to stop the momentum in the second.
 
Drew Sheppard and Caleb Ebert combined for two scoreless innings, while Cameron Ebert and Trace McDaniels also worked scoreless frames to keep the Tigers within striking distance. Evan Groh allowed one run in his inning of work, and Andrew Black closed out the game with a scoreless ninth, striking out two.