Feb. 25, 2011

Box Score

BEAUMONT, Texas - Lamar University pounded out 14 hits, including Kevin Roebuck's third home run of the season, in cruising to a 15-2 victory over North Dakota State in the Cardinals' home opener.

The Vincent-Beck Stadium crowd of 983 also saw the Cardinals collect six doubles, including two by senior first baseman Wade Mathis, in evening their early-season record at 3-3.

Roebuck's homer was a two-run blast over the left-field fence during the Cardinals' three-run sixth inning, and the junior left fielder also drove in their first run in the first inning and picked up a fourth RBI with a double to left field in the eighth.

The Cardinals also received two hits each from shortstop Aaron Buchanan, Mathis and third baseman Pablo Salinas.

Blake Ford pitched the first 5.1 innings to earn his first victory of the season. The right-handed senior from Lufkin scattered nine hits and allowed the Bison's two runs while striking out three batters without walking anyone.

"I thought we performed well in all phases of the game," said Lamar head coach Jim Gilligan. "We bunted well early in the game to advance runners, and we got the key hits to drive them in. We were aggressive at the plate all afternoon.

"I thought Blake threw the ball pretty well. He just needs to be a little more efficient with his pitches. I was also impressed with the job Stephen Tromblee did in relief, and I was pleased with our defense. Any time you go error-free, it's a good effort."

Tromblee, a junior left-hander who transferred from Centenary College, worked the final three hitless innings and struck out three without walking anyone to register the save.

The Cardinals and the Bison, who dropped to 0-4 on the season, will play a doubleheader Saturday, beginning at noon. Left-handers Jonathan Dziedzic and Albert Lott are the expected starting pitchers for the Cardinals.

LAMAR