BEAUMONT, Texas – Less than 24 hours after Lamar University fans were treated to a 14-inning pitcher's duel that saw the Cardinals walk it off, LU took all the suspense out of Saturday's contest early scoring sixth runs in the first inning on their way to a 16-1 drubbing of Binghamton.
 
The Cardinals (2-0) scored runs in five different innings, including two six spots, to cruise to their second victory of the season. The Cardinals scored their 16 runs on 15 hits with 13 different Cardinals recording at least one hit, and 10 different Cardinals driving in at least one run.
 
Both Kelby Weyler (2-for-5/2 RBIs) and Josh Blankenship (2-for-3/2 RBIs) finished the day with multiple hits and were two of five players to end the afternoon with at least two RBIs. As a team, the Cardinals hit .405 for the day.
 
Saturday's game marked the second consecutive day that Big Red got a quality start from the starting pitcher. Senior Adam Wheaton took the mound and went 5.0 scoreless allowing just three hits and one walk, while striking out seven. The Cardinals' starters have combined to pitch 11.0 innings without allowing a run, and just three hits. They have also struck out 20 batters to just one walk.
 
As a team, the Cardinals' staff has been tough as nails striking 32 batters in the team's first two games.
 
After a game that came down to the very last batter Friday night, the Cardinals removed all doubt in the first inning Saturday. Within the first two batters of the inning, LU drew a walk, took advantage of an error and got a single from Kevin Bermudez. The Cardinals knocked around Binghamton's starter for five hits (three doubles), two walks and an error to plate six runs and bat around in the inning. It was one of two innings that saw LU go through the entire lineup.
 
BU's John Lumpinski took the loss after surrendering eight runs (all earned) on six hits with a walk. He faced 21 batters before being lifted.
 
The Cardinals return to action Sunday when they close out the series against Binghamton. First pitch for game three is slated for 10 a.m. from Vincent-Beck Stadium.