Box Score TAMPA – For Polk State Baseball, it was a case of not doing the little things on Tuesday. Miscues and a lack of timely hitting did in the Eagles in their first true road game of the season – a 4-2 loss to Hillsborough Community College.

After Andy Schroeder's RBI single tied things in the top of the third, the Hawks went ahead for good in the bottom of the inning with a pair of unearned runs.

The Eagles would get a run back in the fourth on an RBI groundout from Jordan Thomas, the team's leader in RBIs. Hillsborough, however, again had an answer in the bottom of the inning as Trevor Murray's RBI groundout pushed the lead to 4-2.

That would conclude the scoring for the contest, but Polk State (2-3) had its opportunities. In the seventh, the first two men reached base for the Eagles, but they were unable to get a run home.

In the top of the ninth, Polk State again made noise. A single by Thomas and a double by Hayden Testerman put two runners in scoring position. The Hawks turned to Luke Fikar, who was able to slam the door.

After getting a big second out, Fikar walked Liam O'Neil to load the bases. The Hillsborough right-hander was able to strike out Kustarr Webb swinging to end the game.

Despite allowing just one earned run, starter Wade Johnson took the loss for Polk State. Jackson Graden and Jason Sawyer combined to allow just one unearned run in five innings of relief for the Eagles.

Polk State took the defeat despite doubling up in the hits category with eight to just four for Hillsborough. Thomas had two knocks in the defeat.

Polk State will have a quick turnaround during what will be a busy week. The Eagles host Lake-Sumter State College in their home opener on Wednesday. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.