WABASH – The Whitko baseball team opened conference play with a tough loss Wednesday.

The Wildcats saw an early 7-0 lead evaporate in an 12-11 loss to host Southwood in Three Rivers Conference action.

Whitko scored seven runs in the second inning to take control only to see the hosts come all the way back for the win.

Zach Snep went 3-4 and scored two runs to lead Whitko.

There were six home runs hit in the contest, including four by Southwood.

Garrett Smiley and Austin Sturgess each belted a roundtripper for the Wildcats.

Whitko drops to 9-5 overall and 0-1 in the TRC.

The Wildcats will host Wawasee Thursday.