JONESBORO, Ark. – Arkansas State hit five home runs, with three coming in the six-run second inning, as the Red Wolves rolled to a 12-6 series opening win over ULM Thursday night at Tomlinson Stadium.
 
ULM claimed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as two errors helped bring Trace Henry around the bases, scoring on Mason Holt's RBI fielder's choice.
 
A-State answered in the bottom of the first inning as Jaylon Deshazier hit a two-out RBI single to right field. Deshazier got into a rundown between first and second base during the play, allowing Ben Klutts to score before he was tagged out to give the Red Wolves a 2-1 lead.
 
A-State busted the game open in the second inning. Garrett Olson hit a 3-run home run, Liam Hicks hit a 2-run shot and Klutts followed with a solo homer to extend the lead to 8-1, chasing Warhawk starting pitcher Cam Barlow from the game. Barlow (7-5) allowed eight runs on six hits with two walks over 1 1/3 innings.
 
The Red Wolves added a solo homer by Jared Toler in the third inning to push the lead to 9-1.
 
ULM cut the gap to six in the third inning when Andrew Beesley connected for a 2-run home run to right, pulling the Warhawks within 9-3.
 
However, A-State answered in the bottom half of the inning. An error and two wild pitches brought Brandon Hager in to score before Drew Tipton hit a 2-run blast to push the lead to 12-3.
 
The Warhawks picked up a 3-run home run from Chris Noble in the eighth inning but could get no closer than 12-6. ULM stranded nine base runners in the loss.
 
Logan Wurm and Andrew Beesley had two hits each for ULM.
 
The series continues at 6 p.m. Friday at Tomlinson Stadium. Links to live video, audio and stats are available on the baseball schedule page at ULMWarhawks.com.