BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University battled hard, but came up short in two games Saturday at the LU Softball Complex during the Cardinal Classic. The day started off with a 7-2 loss against Ohio and ended with a 12-inning affair that saw New Mexico escape with a 6-4 victory over the Cardinals. 

Sophomore outfielder Audry Fleming blasted a two-run homer against Ohio (1-2), scoring pinch-runner Piper Hankins. The home run is Fleming's third of the season. Hankins replaced Ancelot on base, who started off the inning with single to left-centerfield. All runs from both teams were scored in the fourth inning. 

Freshman Kelsey Pizarro and sophomore Janelle Marwitz combined for three shutout innings of relief. 

Lamar University (1-8) took an early lead in the second game, which ended in a 6-4 loss to New Mexico (5-2) after 12 innings. 

Aaliyah Ruiz pitched all 12 innings, facing 50 batters. Through the first 10 innings, she allowed just two runs which were scored on a home run. In the sixth inning. 

Big Red took an early lead in the second inning. After Ancelot reached base on an error, junior infielder Hannah Kinkade belted an RBI double to left-centerfield. Kinkade would score on a Hankins single to left field, giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. 

With runners starting on second base, both teams would score in the 11th inning. New Mexico would grab the lead for good by scoring three runs in the top of the 12th inning. 

The Cardinals finish up the Cardinal Classic against Creighton. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday at the LU Softball Complex. 

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