MONROE, La. – A seven-run bottom of the fifth inning catalyzed an 11-7 win for ULM baseball (8-5) against Western Illinois (3-7) Sunday afternoon.
 
It's the sixth straight win for the Warhawks, and the fifth straight game with double-digit runs scored.
 
The Leathernecks got on the board first at the top of the first inning with a two-run homer by Isaiah Monge to go up 2-0. Davis Mauzy singled at the bottom of the first, but three straight outs ended the scoring threat. With a drive down the left-field line, WIU scored another run and made it a three-run ballgame going into the bottom of the second.
 
Dayne Wray led off the inning with a double to get into scoring position, but two groundouts and a flyout ended the inning as ULM remained scoreless. After a double and two outs at the top of the third, an RBI-single scored a fourth run for WIU, making it 4-0.
 
At the bottom of the third, two Warhawks got out before two walks to Bryce Blaser and Kade Dupont presented a scoring opportunity. Jake Haggard lined a single to center, and Wray collected a hit to left field to score both runners, cutting the deficit in half.
 
With Tyler Roark entering the game, the Leathernecks loaded the bases at the top frame of the fourth. A fielder's choice at third base ended things as the score remained 4-2. ULM put two runners on with two outs, but also couldn't score while leaving the two stranded going into the fifth.
 
After a scoreless top half of the inning, Dupont got on base before a Haggard double down the right field line, combined with an error, allowed Dupont to score. Wray followed that up with a homer to left field, giving the Warhawks the lead. With the blast, he leaves the series homering in every game.
 
After a Jake Griffith double, Zach White singled to make the score 6-4. With two runners on later in the inning, Blaser doubled to shallow right to score both. In his second at-bat of the frame, Dupont singled to cap off the seven-run bottom half, resulting in a 9-4 score after five.
 
WIU got a run back in the next inning with an infield single scoring the runner from third. A 6-4-3 double play ended the frame and kept the margin at four runs. Gavin Price produced his first career hit, and Griffith walked to put two runners on base. The scoring threat was silenced with a strikeout as ULM still led by four going into the seventh.
 
With Garrett Wiethorn getting on base, Blaser produced his third RBI of the day with a single, making it a 10-5 game. In the bottom of the eighth with a runner on, Drew Jarrell appeared in his first at-bat of the season. With one swing sending the ball to left field, he collected his first hit, double and RBI of the season, making it a six-run game after eight.
 
WIU attempted to extend the game with two runs scored in the top of the ninth inning, but that was all, sealing the series sweep. The three wins mark the first time ULM has swept an opponent since sweeping Arkansas State to end the 2024 season.
 
Adam Tubbs secured the win with 2.1 innings pitched, allowing one run and two hits while striking out a batter. Haggard, Wray and Wiethorn all collected three hits while Blaser also produced a multi-hit performance. Blaser and Wray also had three RBIs on the day.
 
The Warhawks are back at The Lou on Tuesday, Mar. 3 to start a two-game series with Southeastern Louisiana, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m.