ADA, Okla. — Henderson State cut into a late deficit but could not recover from a pair of big innings in a 13-7 loss to East Central on Wednesday at Ken Turner Field.

The Reddies trailed 13-2 after six innings before scoring five runs over the final three frames. Henderson State finished with nine hits, led by a three-hit performance from T. Ross.

East Central broke a scoreless tie in the fourth. The Tigers pushed across two runs on four hits, taking advantage of a Henderson State error. The Tigers added a run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to build a 3-0 lead.

The game turned in the sixth. East Central scored six runs on six hits and capitalized on a pair of errors to extend the margin to 9-2. The Tigers added four more runs in the seventh.

Henderson State answered in the sixth. Nate Moore singled and Mason Krznarich followed with a double to center that drove in a run. Tanner Ross delivered an RBI double, and Tripp Campbell lifted a sacrifice fly to trim the deficit to 9-2.

The Reddies continued to compete in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Ross singled through the left side to plate two runs. Krznarich drew a walk that forced in another run and cut the lead to 13-5.

Henderson State added two runs in the ninth. Campbell doubled down the right-field line to score two and make it 13-7, but the Reddies left two runners on base.

Ross went 3-for-4 with two doubles and three RBIs. Krznarich had two hits and drove in a pair. Moore recorded two hits and scored twice. Campbell finished with three RBIs.

Ethan Roark started on the mound and struck out eight over 5 1/3 innings. Henderson State pitchers combined for eight strikeouts.

The Reddies return to action Friday morning with a doubleheader to finish the series with the Tigers. First pitch from Ada is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.