May 15, 2009
Box Score
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Stephen F. Austin scored five runs in the sixth and two in the eighth to pull away from Lamar in handing the Cardinals an 11-7 loss at Jaycees Field Friday.
Lamar drops to 35-20 overall and 19-13 in Southland Conference play, meaning that the Cardinals can finish no higher than third in the regular-season standings. As a result of Friday's action, the only thing that was confirmed is that Lamar will be seeded anywhere from No. 4-7 following Saturday's last day of play.
The Cards and Jacks will wrap-up the series on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Designated hitter Wade Mathis went 2-for-4 and scored twice to lead the Cardinal attack at the plate. Left fielder Tyler Link had a 2-RBI double and a sacrifice fly to drive in three, while scoring once. Second baseman Brian Taylor was 1-for-4 with two RBI as well.
Starting hurler Matison Smith (6-5) took the loss after allowing three unearned runs on four hits over the first four innings. Six total LU pitchers combined for six strikeouts in the contest.
SFA's Jared West (4-2) earned the win as he went six innings and left with an 11-2 lead. He allowed just three hits, walked two and struck out one.
SFA scored two in the second, one in the third and five in the fifth to stake a 8-0 lead. LU plated a pair in the top of the sixth before the Jacks added three more in the bottom half of the sixth.
The Cardinals scored five in the seventh but were unable to put up any more runs.
Lamar's SLC Tournament Seeding Possibilities
If Lamar gets into a tie with UTSA at 20-13... UTSA is the three seed based on its series win over Lamar, who would be the four seed.
If Lamar gets into a three-way tie with UTSA and UT Arlington at 20-13... UTA gets the three seed based on its series win over Texas State, UTSA is the four seed based on its series win over Lamar, who would be the five seed.
If the Cards win on Saturday, they will be either the No. 4 or 5 seed depending on how UTSA and UTA do. If the Cards lose on Saturday, they will can still finish as the No. 4 seed, but would also need UTA, Sam Houston and Northwestern State to all lose as well. If one or more of those three teams win and the Cards lose, LU will be anywhere from No 5-7 for Wednesday's opening round.
