Lumberjacks even series with win over the Bearkats

Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks got their revenge as they defeated Sam Houston State Bearkats by the score of 5-2 in the first game of a double header. They are now 1-1 in the Southland Conference (6-9 overall).

The Lumberjacks capitalized in the top of the second inning to make it 3-0 on a three-run home run by designated hitter Freddy Villalobos.

Catcher Rory Myers led off the inning with a single and advanced to second on an error by firstbaseman Ryan O’Hearn that allowed catcher Jarid Scarafiotti to reach first.

Both runners advanced to second and third, respectively on a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Michael Ruiz.

A two out, two run double by Scarafiotti in the top of the third inning, increased the Lumberjack lead to 5-0. First baseman Bobby Loveless walked with two outs in the inning and advanced to second on a single by Rory Myers.

The Bearkats got on the board in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run double by Ryan O’Hearn that cut the Lumberjack lead to 5-2.

Catcher John Hale walked with one out in the bottom of the third inning and advanced to third on a double by centerfielder Colt Atwood.

Farney led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a single and advanced to second on a ground out by second baseman Jesse Plumlee. Shortstop Corey Toups walked to make it first and second. Starting pitcher Colton Eubanks got Hale to fly out and Atwood to ground out to end the Bearkat threat.

The Bearkats made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth inning when Hale led off with a walk and advanced to second on an infield single by pinch hitter Greg Olson. But Lumberjack reliever Alex Moshier settled down and got the final three outs to end the game.

Eubanks went five and two-third innings and got the win. He gave up two runs on ten hits and struck out two batters.

Starting pitcher Justin Jackson went five and one-third innings and suffered the loss. He gave up four runs on eight hits, struck out four and walked two. Moshier got his first save of the season.

With the loss, the Bearkats are now 1-1 in the Southland Conference (8-6 overall).

The second game of the double header will begin in 20 minutes.