March 21, 2008

Box Score

Lamar scored five runs in its final two innings and got seven strong innings from Matt Morgal in a 7-4 come-from-behind win over Stephen F. Austin at Vincent-Beck Stadium Friday.

Lamar improves to 13-7 overall and 4-1 in Southland Conference action. SFA drops to 9-10 and 1-4.

Lamar shortstop Travis Dunson went 2-for-3 with three RBI and scored the eventual winning run in the seventh inning. He was also perfect on six defensive chances and had a part in two of the Cardinals' season-high three double-plays. Centerfielder Anthony Moore made his presence felt throughout with a hit, two RBI, two walks and a stolen base.

Trailing 4-1 following single runs by SFA in the third through sixth frames, Lamar pushed three runs across in the home-half of the seventh to take a 5-4 lead. With two outs and runners on second and third, Dunson took a 2-2 pitch and hit it into center to drive in Tyler Link and David Moore. Dunson moved to second and third on wild pitches by starter Kevin Thomas before scoring on a Steven Tucker single to rightfield.

The Cardinals added a pair of insurance runs in the eighth to clinch their second league series in as many weeks.

The seventh-inning outburst allowed Morgal to earn the win and improve to 3-1 on the season after scattering nine hits over 88 pitches. Brian Needham picked up his first save when he struck out two of the three men he faced in the ninth.

Thomas fell to 2-2 after striking out seven in 6.2 innings but walked five and gave up five hits.

Lamar will go for the series sweep on Saturday when the teams conclude their three-game set. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.