CLAREMORE, Okla.- The Panthers took a 4-3 lead to the bottom of the eighth but Rogers State erupted for nine runs that inning to defeat Drury 12-4 in a non-conference game on Tuesday in Claremore, Oklahoma.
 
Drury dropped to 24-13 while the Hillcats improved to 27-14.
 
The Panthers recovered after allowing three runs in the first inning. Drury scored two runs in the fourth on an RBI-single by Nic Perkins and a sacrifice fly from Ryan Kayhill. The Panthers tied the game an inning later on a solo home run by Ryan Colombo.
 
Colombo then gave Drury the lead in the seventh on a RBI hit that drove in Nathan Schweppe and put the Panthers in front 4-3.
 
Rogers State took the lead back in the eighth as the roof caved in on Drury. The Hillcats tied the game with a bases loaded walk and Sam Casinelli drove in two runs with a single to put Rogers State ahead 6-4. The Hillcats would add two more RBI hits, a sacrifice fly and they took advantage of a Drury error in addition to another bases loaded walk in the inning as part of the nine-run frame.
 
Colombo went 3 for 3 for Drury with two runs, two RBI's and the senior from Topeka, Kansas hit his second home run of the year.
 
Alex Austin (2-2) took the loss in relief for Drury while Justin Magstadt (2-0) picked up the win in relief for Rogers State.  
 
The Panthers return home for a four-game conference series against Rockhurst. Drury takes on the Hawks in a doubleheader on Saturday at 2 p.m. and a Sunday doubleheader at noon.
 
Sunday is Pack the Park day sponsored by CY-Sports and Big Whiskey's. Game one of the doubleheader will feature prizes and giveaways each inning as well as a bus to the game leaving the Drury campus at 11 a.m. and $5 tailgate in the stadium for Drury students.   
 

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