March 30, 2008

Box Score

Senior Tim Erickson struck out five and allowed just one run in seven innings as Lamar defeated Central Arkansas 7-4 to complete its second-consecutive Southland Conference series sweep at Vincent-Beck Stadium Sunday.

Lamar (18-8, 8-1 SLC) finished its longest homestand of the season at 7-1 and started league play at 8-1 for the second-consecutive year. The Cardinals also moved a half-game ahead of Northwestern State (15-10, 7-1) for the conference lead after the Demons were rained out at Stephen F. Austin. UCA fell to 12-15 and 2-7 in SLC action.

Steven Tucker went 2-for-5 with a double, three RBI and a run as he extended his hitting streak to nine games. Chris Dunkin also had a double and two hits while extending his streak of consecutive games with a hit to a season-best 10. Tyler Link, who was hitting in the leadoff spot for just the second time this season, had a pair of hits and scored twice.

UCA was able to put runners on second in each of the first two innings before Erickson (3-0) struck out ensuing batters to end the threats. He struck out one batter in each of his first five innings.

Lamar never trailed in the game and scored four runs on three hits in the third to take a 4-0 lead. After UCA plated one in the fifth, Lamar responded with one of its own in the bottom of the inning before adding a pair on a Tucker RBI single in the sixth to go ahead 7-1.

UCA got to reliever Brian Needham in the eighth and cut the margin to 7-3 on a 2-run double by pinch-hitter Kevin Rawls. The Bears scored one in the ninth and had the tying run at the plate with two out before Needham got Chris Davis to hit into a fielder's choice to end the game.

UCA starter Brandon Dunn (1-2) took the loss after allowing five runs on six hits in 4.2 innings.

Lamar will return to action on Tuesday with a road game at Louisiana-Lafayette (11-14). First pitch at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field is set for 6:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the internet at lamarcardinals.com