PITTSBURG -- Jesse Holguin homered and drove in five runs to help lead the Rogers State University baseball team to a 5-3 victory over Pittsburg State University in the MIAA series opener between the squads Friday (Apr. 8) at Al Ortolani Field.
The Hillcats (19-15, 12-9 MIAA) built a 4-1 lead after Holguin's three-run homer in the top of the third inning off Pitt State starter Tanner Lane (3-3). After the Gorillas (21-12, 15-6 MIAA) trimmed the margin to 4-3 in the bottom of the third inning, Holguin delivered an insurance run with an RBI single in the top of the fifth.
Jordan Ewig (5-3) earned the win for RSU, while Brent Dickey and Octavio Sanchez (Sv. 5) combined to limit Pitt State to three hits over the final 4.0 innings of play.
Cruz Aranda went 2-for-2 with two RBI to lead the Pitt State offense. Mason Hartman also collected a pair of hits for the Gorillas.
Pitt State and RSU will continue to series with a 2 p.m. game Saturday (Apr. 9).