MONROE, La. -- Trailing 7-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Judd Edwards drove in a pair of runners to kickstart a four run eighth, but ULM was unable to get any closer as Arkansas State claimed game one of the three game conference set, 7-5, Friday night at Warhawk Field.
With one out and Brandon Alexander standing on first base, Dalton Todd and Trent Lucas tallied back-to-back singles to load the bases. Edwards followed with a two-RBI double down the left field line to trim the deficit to four runs (7-3) and give the Warhawks (14-24, 4-12) two runners in scoring position. Corben Green recorded a RBI groundout to the pitcher, while Taylor Abdalla drove in one with a RBI single up the middle to close the gap to two runs (7-5).
The Warhawks were unable to do any damage in the ninth as the Red Wolves (21-17, 7-9) held on for the 7-5 win in the series opener.
Cale Wine (4-6) suffered the loss for ULM as the right hander allowed four runs on six hits and six walks while striking out five in 4.2 innings on the hill.
Judd Edwards led the Warhawks at the dish as he drove in two runs on one hit and scored once.
Arkansas State starter Daniel Wright (4-3) earned the win as he allowed two earned runs (five total) on six hits with one walk and six punchouts in eight innings of work. John Koch earned his fourth save of the season after tossing a scoreless ninth.
ULM plated the game's first run in the home half of the second inning. Dalton Herrington ledoff the inning with a triple to the gap in right center and scored on a RBI groundout to third by Justin Stawychy.
The Warhawks kept the Red Wolves off the scoreboard until the fifth inning. Arkansas State broke through with four runs to take a 4-1 lead. Claude Johnson drove in Kaleb Brown to even the contest at one-all. The Red Wolves scored two of its next three runs on bases loaded hit-by-pitch as part of its four-run frame.
In the seventh, the Red Wolves extended the lead to 7-1 with three runs in the inning. Tanner Ring was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, Brown delivered a sacrifice fly (Austin Baker scored) and Dustin Jones scored on a wild pitch to give the visitor's a six run advantage.
ULM tallied four runs in the bottom of the eighth to set the final tally at 7-5.
The two teams return to the diamond tomorrow with first pitch slated for 6 p.m.
Carey Taylor (Jr., RH, 1-3, 6.18 ERA) is slated to get the start for ULM, while Arkansas State is expected to counter with Bradley Wallace (Jr., RH, 3-1, 3.28 ERA). The contest can be heard live on 540 AM in Monroe or online at ULMWarhawks.com.
