March 7, 2009
Box Score
Lamar scored three runs in the bottom of the fifth and benefitted from eight free passes in a 7-3 win over Nicholls State at Vincent-Beck Stadium Saturday.
Brian Taylor and Chris Dunkin collected two hits apiece with each doubling in a run in the pivotal fifth. The Cardinals also stole a season-high seven bases.
With the win Lamar improves to 11-2 overall and 1-1 in Southland Conference play, while Nicholls moves to 5-6 and 1-1.
Eric Harrington (3-0) struck out two while scattering eight hits over 5.2 innings. Taylor McInnis earned his second save after striking out three and allowing just two baserunners over 3.1 innings. Jarret Dunnam (1-2) took the loss after giving up five runs on six hits and four walks.
Lamar wasted little time getting on the scoreboard as Steven Tucker was hit on the first pitch to lead off the second inning. He then stole second and scored two pitches later on Dunkin's bloop single to shallow center.
Ryan Saldivar singled to lead off the third, moved to third on a passed ball and stolen base before scoring on Quentin Luquette's single over the second baseman Keith Kulbeth's head.
Nicholls pushed three runs across with two outs in the fifth by virtue of a bases loaded hit batter, and an error on a sinking fly ball that center fielder Kevin Roebuck wasn't able to corral.
Lamar answered right back with three runs on three hits in the bottom of the fifth. Tyler Link drew his second walk of the game, stole second and scored on Taylor's double down the right field line. Taylor advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt before he came home on Tucker's infield single in between first and second. Tucker stole second and scored on Dunkin's double to the wall in left center.
The Cardinals added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth when Taylor singled home Roebuck and Link scored from third on a sac bunt to the right side of the infield.
The teams will play the rubber-game of their three-game series on Sunday at 1 p.m. Lamar right-hander Matison Smith (2-0, 4.26) is scheduled to face Nicholls right-hander Tyler Minto (0-0, 3.86).
