HAMMOND, La. – After giving up two runs in the eighth inning to fall behind by a one, Lamar University got a two-run home run from Kevin Bermudez – his fifth of the season – in the ninth inning to propel the Cardinals to a 5-4 victory over Southeastern Louisiana Friday evening in Hammond.
 
The Cardinals (23-18/7-9 SLC) got a strong start from Jacob Ellis who went 6.0 innings allowing just two runs on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks. He was one of three Cardinals to take the mound Saturday as Andres Perez pitched a scoreless 7^th and Brooks Caple (4-0) came on to pitch the final two innings giving up two runs – one earned – on two hits for the win.
 
Lance Lauve came on in relief in the eighth inning for SLU and surrendered three runs – two earned – on two hits with two walks to suffer the loss.
 
The Cardinals scored their five runs on nine hits with an error, while SLU scored four runs on eight hits with an error.
 
Seven different Cardinals got hits Friday, led by multi-hit games from Bermudez (2-for-5, home run, 2 RBI) and Kirkland Banks (2-for-4). Designated hitter Tanner Wilson was 1-for-3 on the night but drove in three runs.
 
With the game tied at 2 heading into the eighth inning, the Cardinals plated a run on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Wilson. The play was setup by an SLU error which allowed Ethan Ruiz to go from first to third on a hit of the bat of Kanin Dodge. Unfortunately, the Lions answered right back with two runs in their half of the inning.
 
Undaunted the Cardinals responded in their next at bat. Ben MacNaughton led off the inning with a walk. Bermudez then worked a 2-2 count before belting the Lauve offering over the left field fence. Caple came back out for the ninth and shut the Lions down in order.     
 
The two teams return to action Saturday for the second game of the series. The game is slated to begin at noon from Alumni Field.