BEAUMONT, Texas – Less than 24 hours after winning their season-opener in walk-off fashion, the Lamar University Cardinals were back at it again Saturday as Ethan Ruiz got the game-winning hit – a double to center – scoring Kirkland Banks all the way from first base. Banks' sprint around the basepaths gave the Cardinals a 3-2 decision taking the second game, and the series.
 
The Cardinals (2-0) scored solo runs in the fifth, sixth and ninth innings to pick up the victory, after falling behind by two through four-and-a-half. Jacob Ellis got the start and went 4.1 innings allowing just two runs – one earned – on two hits with two walks and four strikeouts. He was one of three Cardinals to take the mound. Landon Odom pitched two scoreless innings striking out one, and Kole Tauzin got the win after pitching the final 2.2 allowing no runs on three hits with two strikeouts.
 
Ruiz finished the day 2-for-3 with a walk and an RBI, while Kanin Dodge went 1-for-3 with a run scored and a walk.
 
Bret Hagen got the start and pitched 4.2 innings allowing just one run on one hit, but did walk four. Christian Stelling was hung with the loss after allowing one run on two hits through 3.0 innings of work.
 
The Golden Grizzlies (0-2) once again jumped out on top scoring an unearned run in the top of the second and added one more in the fifth. The two-run advantage didn't last long as Big Red answered right back in the bottom half of the inning. After a leadoff walk, Hagen got the next two batters to fly out, but Ruiz singled to the left side. After an error on the pitcher and a walk, LU had the bases loaded with two outs. The Cardinals finally broke through with a walk to Kevin Bermudez.
 
Lamar managed to pull even in the home half of the sixth. With runners on the corners and just one out, Ryan Snell tied the game with a fielder's choice to third.
 
The pitching staffs for both teams took over next 2.5 innings as both teams hung zeros on the board. In the bottom on of the ninth, Banks got hit on a 2-1 pitch to lead off the inning setting up Ruiz to play the role of hero. He took a 1-2 pitch and hit it just past the centerfielder giving Banks all he needed to gallop safely in from first.
 
The Cardinals will go for the sweep Sunday when they close out the series with a 1 p.m. first pitch. Patrick Hail will take the mound for the Cardinals.