BEAUMONT, Texas – After a midweek trip to No. 1 LSU, the Lamar University Cardinals (10-3) return home for their final non-conference home series of the 2023 campaign when it hosts UC Riverside. The Cardinals, who have already pulled off several big wins in non-conference play, enter the week with the most wins of all Southland Conference schools.
 
The Cardinals have dropped three of their past four, but that stretch included a three-game series against a tough Penn squad who had just played three close games at No. 23 South Carolina before making the trip west, followed by a midweek game at top-ranked LSU. Before that, the Cardinals had tied the school record for the best start in program history (9-0).
 
The Highlanders are 5-7 (.417) on the season but have picked up the tempo since opening the month of March. Riverside has won three of its last five, including a win at USC and is coming off a two-run victory over San Diego State Tuesday.
 
While starting rotations have not yet been released, the Cardinals bring the league's second-best earned run average to the table (3.10), and a 1.13 WHIP. The Cards' staff has also struck out 119 batters while holding opponents to a .223 batting average, which is second only to Northwestern State's .207. LU also leads the league with five saves.
 
Offensively, the Cardinals' attack is led by newly named Johnny Bench Award Watch List selection, Ryan Snell. The Hardin, Texas native has posted a .283/.377/.783 slash this season with five home runs, six doubles, 12 RBIs and 10 runs scored. Of his 13 hits, all but one have gone for extra bases. Having already been named Southland Hitter of the Year once, Snell is coming off a 2-for-3 effort at LSU Wednesday that saw him blast his fifth home run of the season.
 
Friday's series opener will be the first meeting between the two schools in school history.
 
All three games will streamed live on ESPN+ with Friday set for a 6 p.m. first pitch. Saturday will get underway at 2, with Sunday's start time moved up to a noon start. All three game will be played at Vincent-Beck Stadium.