STERLING, Kan. – The York University baseball team wrapped up its KCAC series opener Sunday afternoon with an 8-4 loss at Sterling.

The Panthers are now 4-7 overall, including 0-3 in KCAC play.

York jumped on top with a run in the second stanza when Daniel Polo blasted a lead-off home run for a one-run advantage.

Sterling answered with a run in the second and another in the third for a 2-1 lead.

Sam Hodoly singled with two outs in the fourth. Austin Grant came in as a pinch runner and swiftly stole second base. However, a fly ball ended the threat. York tied the game in the fifth. With two down, Isaac Stark drew a walk. Secundino Morales rocketed a pitch to the gap in right center field for a triple as Stark scored on the play.

Sterling plated six runs in the bottom of the sixth but the Panthers continued to battle. In the eighth, Morales led off the stanza with a double to left field. Ian Heck belted a single to center field, allowing Morales to cross home plate.

York scored a run in the ninth but it was not enough. Grant tallied a one-out double to left field. He went to third on a fly ball and Mateo Sierras roped a hit through the left side, making it 8-4. Morales doubled down the left field line, putting two Panthers in scoring position. However, a fly ball ended the contest.

The Panthers tallied four runs on 13 hits with one error while Sterling totaled eight runs on nine hits with one miscue.  

For the game, Morales pounded out four hits in four at bats with two doubles and a triple. Hodoly registered two hits, including a double.

On the mound, James McCown worked five frames. He gave up two runs on five hits and had five strikeouts. Sam Maudsley, Thomas Fogle, Fred Juden and Owen McClung all saw time on the mound. Fogle, Juden and McClung each recorded strikeouts.

The Panthers return to action Friday for a doubleheader at Hannibal-LaGrange starting at 12 p.m.