MONROE, La. -- ULM closed the gap to one run after seven innings, but could not get any closer as Jackson State claimed a 9-6 win Tuesday evening at Warhawk Field.
ULM struck first as the Warhawks plated a trio of runs in the bottom half of the third inning. With one out and Jeff Fuller standing on first, Anthony Herrera doubled to the gap in right center to give ULM a 1-0 lead. Keelin Rasch followed and hit his second homer in as many games. Rasch's two-run homer capped the Warhawk third.
Jackson State responded in the top of the fourth as they scored four runs, all with two outs. Jose Cruz highlighted the Tiger fourth with a two-RBI double to left center to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead.
In the sixth, the Tigers pushed their lead to three runs at 6-3. During the two-run frame Nick Marigny scored on a balk while Jose Cruz raced home from second when Charles Tillery reached on a throwing error by second baseman, Jeff Fuller.
ULM closed the gap to one run as the homestanding Warhawks scored a single run in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings. Justin Stawychny scored in the sixth when Dalton Todd delivered a RBI single to left. In the seventh, Kodie Tidwell scored from second when Jackson State catcher Jose Cruz tried to pick off Herrera at first, but his throw found its way into the outfield.
Jackson State added three runs over the final two innings to thwart the ULM comeback. The Warhawks were able to get just one run in the bottom of the ninth to set the final tally at 9-6 in favor of the visiting Tigers.
Herrera led the Warhawks at the plate with three hits, two RBI and one run.
The loss was charged to starter Josh Leone (1-3) as he allowed four runs on six hits with two strikeouts in four innings of work.
Christopher Wingard (2-1) earned the win as he logged 5.2 innings on the hill, allowing four runs on four hits with four walks and four punchouts. Alexander Juday earned his first save of the season by allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits in 3.1 innings.
Jose Cruz led the Tigers with a 4-for-5 effort with three RBI and two runs scored.
ULM and Jackson State will square off at 6 p.m. tomorrow evening in Jackson, Miss., after the midweek series concludes, the Warhawks will return home to open conference play this weekend against UL-Lafayette.
For updates throughout the season on the ULM baseball team, be sure to follow the squad on twitter @ULM_BSB.
Support the Warhawks through participation in the Athletic Foundation, join the ULMAF by calling 318-342-5415. Be sure to cheer on your Warhawks in person; to purchase tickets, please call 318-342-3ULM or visit the athletic ticket homepage.
