ABILENE, Texas - Howard Payne University's RJ Roberts went 3-for-5 at the plate in the Yellow Jackets' 13-7 series opening loss to Hardin-Simmons University Friday afternoon.

After taking a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning, the Yellow Jackets allowed seven runs in the bottom of the inning and two in the third to play from behind the rest of the game.

HPU's Derek Gifford started the scoring with a solo homer to right field in the second. Then a Joey Villarreal single brought home Noah Coronado and a Samuel Lampson sac fly to right field plated Will Iannacone.

With a single run in the 5th, the Jackets added three more in the 6th to pull within two, 9-7. But it was HSU with a two-run bottom of the 6th and single runs in the 7th and 8th that put the game away for the Cowboys, 13-7.

HPU's single run in the 5th was an RJ Roberts solo shot to center field. Roberts also singled in the 6th to bring home William Burford. It was a Rylee McGee double later in the inning that plated Gifford and Roberts.

HPU was led by JR Roberts at the plate going 3-for-5 with two RBI. Rylee McGee finished with two hits, which included a double, and two RBI.

Kyle Purdes recorded the loss in the start for the Jackets allowing nine runs on eight hits and striking out four in three innings of action. Dean Evans saw three innings of relief work allowing two runs on four hits and striking out three. Brendan Read and Jasen Hollingsworth each saw one inning of relief action.

The Jackets are now 1-3 overall and 1-3 in American Southwest Conference action. Hardin-Simmons stands at 2-2 overall and 2-2 in league play. The two teams will finish out their weekend series with a double-header on Saturday starting at 1:00 pm.