March 16, 2011

Box Score

BEAUMONT - Joey Latulippe extended his hitting streak to nine games, and four Lamar University pitchers combined on a three-hitter Wednesday night as the Cardinals defeated Texas-Pan American 6-0 to complete a doubleheader sweep.

A senior catcher, Latulippe sat out the Cardinals' 8-1 victory in the opener then went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in one run in the nightcap. Third baseman Scott Pasket and left fielder Kevin Roebuck also collected two hits each in the finale.

Roebuck's older brother Tommy was the starter and winner for the Cardinals, who improved to 14-6 with their seventh win in their last eight outings. He allowed two hits, struck out one and walked one in evening his record at 1-1.

Senior left-hander Stephen Tromblee followed Roebuck to the mound and turned in three hitless innings. Jeff Abt followed with two more hitless innings, and freshman right-hander Kane Benoit from Port Neches-Groves allowed one hit in the scoreless ninth inning.

"We gave up one run in the first inning of the first game then put together 17-consecutive scoreless innings," said Lamar coach Jim Gilligan. "Any coach in America would be pleased with that kind of pitching.

"We're looking for some pitchers who can help on the weekends, and there's a good possibility we found some today. We also hit the ball well, so it was a good day at the old ball yard. I can't think of anything to complain about."

First baseman Wade Mathis went 3-for-4 to lead the Cardinals' 11-hit attack in the opener, and they added nine hits in the nightcap.

Freshman left-hander Cody Laird of Nederland got the pitching victory in the opener. He worked 3.2 innings, surrendered just one hit and struck out two batters in improving his record to 2-0. Senior right-hander Taylor McInnis of PN-G shut downs the Broncs on one hit in the final inning.

The Cardinals return to Southland Conference play Friday night when they open a three-game series at Central Arkansas.

LAMAR