OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The Kirkwood baseball team began the season Friday afternoon with a 7-4 loss at Johnson County.

The Eagles scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning to pull within 4-3, but Johnson County responded with three unearned runs in the bottom of the eighth for a 7-3 advantage.

Kirkwood scored in the top of the ninth for the final tally.

The Eagles committed six errors in the ballgame, including two by all-star shortstop Korry Howell.

Starting pitcher Cameron Leff allowed four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Cameron Cowan struck out eight batters in 3 2/3 innings in relief, but was the victim of the three unearned runs in the eighth.

Taylor Jackson and Kal Youngquist had two hits for Kirkwood. Izaya Fullard, Chili Moseley and Max McCay had RBIs.

Kirkwood and Johnson County are scheduled for a doubleheader Saturday and a single game Sunday. Johnson County is ranked 17th in the NJCAA Division II poll.

Kirkwood          000 000 031 - 4 7 6
Johnson County    020 020 03x - 7 8 3

W - Kincaid. L - Leff.