ARLINGTON, Texas – Lamar University surrendered just five hits to shutout UT Arlington, 3-0, in the series opener Thursday evening from Clay Gould Field. The victory moves LU to 5-1 on the season.
 
Freshman Josh Ekness got the start and pitched three scoreless before handing the ball over to the bullpen. Senior David Palmer came on to pitch a scoreless 1.1 innings and got the victory and junior Jack Dallas closed out the ninth for his fourth save of the season.
 
The Cardinals staff combined to strikeout six on the night, including three from Ekness.
 
LU had five players get a hit Thursday, led by Kelby Weyler's 2-for-3 outing, with a double. The big bat tonight came from sophomore Deric LaMontagne who put the Cardinals on the board with a two-run shot with two out in the second.
 
Four different Mavericks recorded a hit, led by Josh Minjarez's 2-for-3 effort.
 
The Cardinals broke through in the second inning. After Chase Kemp singled to center, he found himself on second moments later following a wild pitch. As it turns out, the wild pitch didn't matter because LaMontagne recorded his first career home run – a right field shot – to give the Red and White an early 2-0 lead.
 
LU's pitching staff made the lead stand until the top of the eighth when the Cards tacked on an insurance run. After opening the inning with consecutive singles, Anthony Quirion drove Avery George in from third.
 
The Cardinals return to Clay Gould Field Friday at 6:30 p.m. for the second game of the series.