OKLAHOMA CITY -- The No. 25-ranked Rogers State University Hillcats defeated the Mid-America Christian University Evangels 9-0 in the opener of a three-game series Thursday afternoon (Apr. 19) at James Curtis Field.

Starter Grant Zimmerman held the Hillcats scoreless through the first two frames, but ran into trouble in the third as RSU broke through for three runs, thanks in large part to two errors that led to a pair of unearned tallies. 

The Hillcats added to their lead with a run in the fourth and then broke the game open with four in the sixth, capped by a two-run single by Cody Campbell.  A throwing error then led to the fourth run of the inning. 

That proved to be more than enough for RSU hurler Shawn Spainhoward, who pitched six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. 

One bright spot for the Evangels was Mat Owen working a pair of scoreless frames in the eighth and ninth. 

Luis Martinez went 2-of-3 at the dish for the Evangels, while Eric Baker and Hector Rivera also was 2-of-3 for the Hillcats. 

MACU and RSU will conclude the series with a doubleheader Saturday afternoon (Apr. 21) beginning at 1 p.m. in Claremore, Okla.