MONROE – A three-run bottom of the third propelled the ULM baseball team to a 4-2 win over UT Arlington on Saturday.
 
The Mavericks (4-7) once again scored first in the top frame of the first. With two outs and no one on, four straight walks to UTA batters produced a bases loaded walk. Ashton Bassett prevented further damage with a strikeout to end the top half. The Warhawks (6-8) also loaded the bases in the bottom half, but a strikeout ended the threat.
 
Both teams had scoring opportunities in the second inning, with UT Arlington having a runner at third and ULM with a runner at second. Both threats ended and the score remained 1-0 going into the third.
 
UTA went three up three down in the top of the third. In the bottom frame, three straight singles by Artzberger, Colby Lunsford, and Isaiah Walker loaded the bases with no outs. Bryce Blaser sent a ball into right field, which the fielder dropped, allowing Artzberger to score from third. Henry Garcia Jr. grounded into a double play, but Lunsford scored, giving ULM its first lead of the weekend series. Jake Haggard put down a successful bunt, making it to first base safely and scoring Walker.
 
The fourth inning featured two three-up three-down frames from both teams keeping the game at a 3-1 ULM lead. After another inning of no production from the Mavericks, Walker doubled into right center field with one out in the bottom of the inning. With a successful stolen base, a throwing error by the catcher scored Walker, padding the Warhawks' lead by another run.
 
ULM once again threatened in the bottom of the sixth with Haggard advancing to second base, but a strikeout and a double play by UTA kept the gap at three runs. In the top of the seventh, the Mavericks scored for the first time since the first inning with an RBI-single through the left side.
 
Similar to the first inning, with two outs and no one on base, three straight walks loaded the bases, but a groundout to the pitcher ended the scoring opportunity. In the top of the ninth, after a groundout to Lunsford, Cade Dodson doubled and got into scoring position. Tyce Armstrong lined a single to center field, but the runner at second didn't advance. A double play ended the game and the Warhawks snapped their five-game losing streak.
 
Lunsford, Walker, and Haggard all had multi-hit games. Joey Cirelli got the win with 4.0 innings pitched allowing just one run and striking out six.
 
The series finale will take place tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m.