AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's baseball team dropped game one in their four-game series against rival St. Mary's. The Hilltoppers lost 5-3.

The battle of the saints series got off to a slow start after two scoreless innings. However, MORGAN ALLEN scored on an error in the bottom of the third, giving the Hilltoppers a slim 1-0 lead.

The Rattlers would tie the game up at 1-1 on an RBI single to left field in the fourth. In the sixth, an error allowed the Rattlers to take their first lead of the game leading 2-1.

Later in the inning, a two-out double by Davis Drewek tied the game at 2-2. Drewek would later score on an error giving the Hilltoppers a one-run lead heading into the top of the seventh.

In the seventh, the Rattlers regained the lead following an RBI triple and a fielder's choice that drove home a run giving the Rattlers a 4-3 lead.

In the eighth, a wild pitch allowed the Rattlers to extend their lead to 5-3. Later in the inning, the Hilltoppers loaded the bases with nobody out, but the Rattlers closer was able to work around a lead-off double, an error, and a walk to get out of the inning without giving up a run. 

Wesley Gafford picked up the loss giving up three earned runs on 11 hits, while striking out six batters through seven innings of work.

The Hilltoppers are back in action Saturday afternoon as they host the Rattlers for games two and three of their four-game series. First pitch is set for noon.