CLAREMORE, Okla. – Rogers State Baseball (3-1) won a 2-1 pitcher's duel over Rockhurst (0-1) in the home opener on Friday.
 
Both starters were electric as they combined to only allow four hits in the first five innings. Giancarlo Cortez was outstanding in his second start of the season working 5.1 innings, only allowing one hit with five strikeouts and four walks.
 
The game's first legitimate scoring opportunity came in the top of the sixth inning as the Hawks earned back-to-back walks with one out. A double steal put the runners in scoring position with two outs. After a walk loaded the bases, Noah Anderson worked out of the jam by getting the batter to foul out to third base to end the threat.
 
The Hawks again had an opportunity to score in the top of the eighth with a leadoff single through the left side of the infield. The runner proceeded to steal second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher with one out. With a 1-1 count, Rockhurst hit a groundball back to Matt Lintz who threw home and Joel Escalante made the out at the plate keeping the game scoreless.
 
The Hillcats finally broke through with two runs in the bottom half as Connor Womack was hit by a pitch with one out to put a runner on, and later advanced to second on a wild pitch. With two outs, Womack scored and A.J. Folds reached first on a fielding error by the third baseman. Gavin Mestas was then hit by a pitch to put a runner at first and second. After a pitching change, Prescott Horn singled to center field to score Folds.
 
The Hawks tried to rally in the top of the ninth, but would only get a solo home run to the right field corner to eventually give RSU the 2-1 win.
 
Lintz (1-0) earned the win working 1.0 inning out of the bullpen only allowing one hit with one strikeout. Octavio Sanchez (2) earned the save. Clayton Medlin (0-1) took the loss.
 
RSU will look to win the series tomorrow as they wrap up with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.