MONROE, La. -- ULM scored six runs over the final two innings and had the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth but the Warhawks couldn't get any closer in a 10-8 loss to visiting to South Alabama Friday night at Warhawk Field.
Trailing 8-2 in the bottom of the eighth, the Warhawks (16-27, 5-14) began their comeback attempted as they plated four runs in the inning to close the gap to just two runs (8-6). With two men on and no outs, Taylor Abdalla drove home Justin Stawychny for the first Warhawk run since the fourth inning. Later in the inning, with the bases loaded, pinch hitter Chris Dudley drew a bases loaded walk as Dalton Herrington scored the second run of the inning. Brandon Alexander capped the inning with a two-RBI single up the middle.
Jared Dye relieved Alex Dumaine on the hill to start the ninth, but South Alabama (32-12, 13-6) was able to push two runs across to take a 10-6 lead heading to the bottom of the ninth. The second run of the inning was unearned as Jeff DeBlieux, who reached on a throwing error, scored on a sac fly by Cole Billingsly.
The Warhawks again made noise, this time, pushing South Alabama to the brink. Stawychny scored on a RBI single to the pitcher by Jeff Fuller and ULM closed to within two runs again as Alexander drew a bases loaded walk with two outs. With the bases packed, Judd Edwards dug in for his sixth at-bat of the night, but the senior was unable to complete the come back as he struck out to end the game.
ULM starter Andrew Richardson (0-1) was tagged with the loss after surrendering five earned runs on six hits and one walk in 2.2 innings. The redshirt-senior struck out four batters during his 65-pitch outing.
Alexander, Abdalla and Fuller led the Warhawks at the plate in the series opener. The Warhawk trio combined for seven hits and seven RBI while Abdalla and Fuller each scored one run.
South Alabama starter Jarron Cito (4-2) earned the win despite allowing five earned runs on nine hits in seven innings. The right-hander struckout eight and walked two. Dylan Stamey closed out the game as he pitched the final 1.2 innings and earned his third save of the season.
The two teams will return to the diamond tomorrow with first pitch scheduled for 3:06 p.m. The contest will air on CSS, CST and ESPN3.com (subject to blackout on ESPN3.com).
