CLEBURNE – Second-seeded Rogers State battled back from a three-run deficit to defeat No. 4 seed St. Edward's, 6-5, in 11 innings in a winners' bracket contest at the Heartland Conference Championship.
The Hillcats (33-16) advance to Saturday's championship game, while the Hilltoppers (26-26) will face third-seeded UAFS in an elimination game at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
St. Edward's had a 5-2 lead before Rogers State erupted for a trio of runs in the seventh to pull even.
In the top of the 11th inning, Zack Mann led off with a single. He then advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt and third on a wild pitch. After and intentional walk to Brandon Bradshaw, Nick Follett hit a sacrifice fly to right field.
DYLAN MACKIN's throw was cut off and Mann crossed the plate with the go-ahead run.
KOEHLER VANDAMENT (1-4) took the loss after allowing one run on one hit and a walk over 1.1 innings. Brock Knoten (1-2) received the victory after tossing three scoreless panels.
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