MONROE, La.?ULM used a
seven-run, eight-hit third inning to stake an early lead en route to an 8-2
victory over McNeese State in non-conference action Tuesday night at Warhawk
Field.
Keith Christensen (4-2) threw
his second consecutive complete game as he allowed just two runs ? one earned ?
to pick up the win. The reigning Louisiana Pitcher of the Week scattered eight
hits and struck out six batters ? he went the distance in ULM's 3-2 victory at
No. 5 Arkansas last Tuesday. The complete game was the fourth by a Warhawk
pitcher in their last five mid-week contests.
The Warhawks (23-16) improve to 15-4
at home this season marking the 21st time in the 27-year history of
the stadium that they have won at least 15 home games.
After being held without a hit
the first time through the lineup, the Warhawks exploded for seven runs on
eight hits the second time through the ledger. Jaden Dillon struck out the
first batter of the frame and then saw six straight Warhawks record hits ? the most
consecutive hits this season by the Warhawks.
Boomer Blanchard opened the
onslaught with his eighth home run of the season. Jon Prevost then singled and
scored on a double down the left-field line by Ben Soignier, who now has 46
RBIs on the season tying his total from last year.
Matt Collins blasted his sixth
home run of the season to extend the lead out to 4-0. Matt Laird and Jordy
Poche followed with back-to-back singles to put runners on the corners. Nick
Wade scored Laird on a sacrifice fly ? his fourth of the season ? and Perry
Smith laced a two-run double after Ryan McMillan walked.
Blanchard and Prevost led the
Warhawks with a pair of hits, while Soignier reached base four times ? he recorded
a hit, drew two walks and was hit by a pitch.
The Cowboys (19-18) answered with a
pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning. Alex Johnson plated the first run
with a single back up the middle and Jace Peterson scored after a ULM throwing
error prolonged the inning.
ULM extended its lead out to
8-2 with an unearned run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Laird reached on
the second error of the game by shortstop Shon Landry and came home to score on
a wild pitch after a sacrifice bunt by Wade.
The Warhawks chased Dillon (0-1),
who took the loss, after he allowed seven runs on six hits over 2.2 innings of
work. Tyler Davis pitcher well in relief for McNeese State tossing 2.1
scoreless innings ? he allowed just a pair of hits and struck out three. The
Cowboys used six pitchers on the night.
After breaking out with the
eight hits in the third inning, the Warhawks managed just one hit over the remainder
of the game.
The Warhawks continue their
five-game homestand tomorrow night against Northwestern State. First pitch is
scheduled for 6:30 p.m. from Warhawk Field.
