PITTSBURG -- The Rockhurst University baseball team struck for six runs in the top of the first inning and rode that early momentum to a 12-5 non-conference victory over Pittsburg State University Wednesday (Mar. 11) at Al Ortolani Field.

The Gorillas (3-10) trimmed the margin to 6-3 in their half of the first against the Hawks (7-4), but Rockhurst added two runs apiece in the fourth and fifth frames to stretch its margin to six, at 10-4.

Alex Merithew (2-0) scattered four hits over four innings of scoreless relief for the Hawks.

Pitt State starter Christian Cedeno (0-2) allowed six unearned runs in 2/3 inning of work. He issued four walks and three hits in the frame, but was victimized by three Gorillas defensive errors as well.

Derek Hackney went 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, while Nate Arnold went 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI to lead the Pitt State offense.

The Gorillas will look to snap a seven-game losing streak when they entertain MIAA rival Missouri Western State University in a four-game series beginning Friday (Mar. 13).