FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Pittsburg State University baseball team loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning but couldn't push across a run as Henderson State University won 4-2 Friday (Feb. 3).

The Gorillas (0-2) fell behind 4-0 to the Reddies (1-0) but scored single runs in the seventh and eighth frames to cut the deficit in half. Brett Macary delivered an RBI single in the seventh and T.J. Martin added a run-scoring single in the eighth.

In the ninth, Hunter Clanin and Macary opened the frame with consecutive infield singles. Pinch hitter Cole Brecheisen struck out before pinch hitter Christian Arnold walked to load the bases. Colton Pogue then grounded to third base with Clanin being forced out at home. Dallas Reed then grounded into a fielder's choice for the game's final out.

Nick Brown (0-1) allowed just three hits and a pair of earned runs in five innings of work. He fanned six batters in his Pitt State debut.

Macary went 3-for-4 and Clanin 2-for-4 in the game as the Gorillas outhit the Reddies, 9-7.

Pitt State will return to action Saturday (Feb. 4) when a split doubleheader against HSU and Arkansas-Fort Smith. The Gorillas are scheduled to meet the Reddies at 1 p.m. and then the host Lions immediately afterwards.

Junior righthanders Trent Latta and Ethan Vanderpool are expected to start games three and four Saturday.