Feb. 27, 2010

Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score

North Dakota State rallied for two ninth-inning runs Saturday to end Lamar University's five-game winning streak to open the season and earn a doubleheader split with the Cardinals.

Zach Wentz and Michael Riewer crossed the plate with the tying and winning runs on a single to centerfield by pinch-hitter Zach Heidmann off Cardinal closer Taylor McInnis.

The Cardinals failed in their attempt to at least force a second extra-inning game this season as 6-foot 7 Bison right-hander Anthony Kliniske struck out Ryan Meade, Wade Mathis and Michael De La Rosa in succession in the bottom of the ninth.

After winning Saturday's opener 9-7, the Cardinals built an 8-2 lead through the first four innings but were unable to sustain the lead.

With Michael De La Rosa going 3-for-5 and Ryan Meade 2-for-4, the Cardinals outhit the Bison 12-10, but they went hitless over the final three innings. De La Rosa collected two doubles and a single on his first three trips to the plate, and Meade slugged a three-run home run - his first as a Cardinal - in the fourth inning.

Coach Jim Gilligan's Cardinals overcame an early 7-0 deficit in winning the opener before a Vincent-Beck Stadium crowd of 583. Wade Mathis went 3-for-4 and stroked a two-run homer over the centerfield fence to snap a 7-7 tie in the eighth inning.

Senior right-hander Cory Holley, who held the Bison to one hit over the final three innings, earned his second victory of the season.

The Cardinals and Bison will complete their weekend series with a 10 a.m. game Sunday, also in Vincent-Beck Stadium.

LAMAR