NATCHITOCHES, La. – The ULM Warhawks (22-19, 9-9 Sun Belt) claimed their first win over the Northwestern State Demons (23-18, 14-10 Southland) this season in a 4-1 score on Tuesday night (April 21). Four runs scored off seven hits–including two home runs–allowed for the Warhawks to claim the win in Natchitoches, as the Demons scored just one run off six hits.

In the opening frame, ULM went 1-2-3, as Northwestern State stranded one on base off a double hit in the first. Kade Dupont then went yard in the second, his second home run of the season giving the Warhawks the 1-0 lead. While a single by Michael McAloose got a runner on base, two strikeouts from pitcher Seaver Sheets kept the home team at bay.

Micah Dean singled and stole second base to get in scoring position in the third, Jake Haggard walking as they were both stranded in the top of the third. Another strikeout led to the Demons going three-up, three-down. A lead-off single from Marcus Aranda kept ULM's momentum, but the score remained at 1-0 as they could not convert a run. The bottom of the fourth brought another strikeout for Sheets as Northwestern State withheld runs.

It was a two-homer day for the Warhawks as Dean launched a solo shot to make it a two-run advantage in the fifth. A 1-2-3 bottom frame for the Demons kept ULM ahead. The Warhawks were held without a score in the sixth, Northwestern State working to even the score. A single and a throwing error allowed for two runners to land on base, Ethan Menard hitting an RBI single to cut the lead down to one. After loading the bases with one out, a double play forced the home team to settle for one run scored.

While a hit-by-pitch landed Garrett Wiethorn on base, he was left stranded as the game remained close. The Warhawk defense and pitching from Tyler Roark kept Northwestern State from tying the game or finding the lead in the bottom of the seven, leaving a runner on. Two Warhawks were left stranded in the top of the eighth, unable to cross home. But two more strikeouts for Roark kept the score settled at 2-1. 

A walk in the top of the ninth brought up Davis Mauzy, who hit a single to advance Wiethorn to third. Dean then reached on a fielder's choice, driving in the third run of the game. Bryce Blaser followed up with an RBI single for the security run heading into the final half-inning. While a single landed a Demon on base, three quick outs secured the 4-1 victory for ULM.

Micah Dean recorded two hits and two RBIs as he hit his sixth home run of the season. Blaser and Dupont also recorded hits and RBIs on the way to the win. Seaver Sheets (5-3) earned the win with 5.1 innings of work, allowing one run and striking out a career-high seven batters. Tyler Roark was credited with the save, seeing three innings on the mound and striking out four while allowing no runs. Caleb Strmiska also saw action with 0.2 innings of work.

The Warhawks improve to 6-4 in midweek games this season and 8-8 when playing on the road. ULM will return to Lou St. Amant on Friday (April 24) to take on James Madison at 6 p.m. for the opening game of the Sun Belt series.