BEAUMONT, Texas — Lamar University got five runs on five hits – and took advantage of an error – to take a first-inning lead and never looked back cruising to an 11-2 victory over Alcorn State. The victory also tied a school record (2009) for the best start in program history.
The Cardinals (9-0) scored their 11 runs on 12 hits and followed up their first inning with one run in the third, one in the six and four more in the eighth. Alcorn State managed to scratch out two runs in their half of the ninth inning.
Quinn Waterhouse got the start and went 3.0 scoreless for LU allowing just one hit with three strikeouts. He was on a declared pitch count and was eligible for the win (1-0). He was one of eight pitchers to take the mound Tuesday for the Red and White.
Austin Guzman made the start for the Braves and surrendered all five runs – three earned – on five hits to take the loss (0-2).
Eight different Cardinals collected a hit Tuesday led by multi-hit games from Kevin Bermudez (3-for-5, home run, two runs scored), Josh Blankenship (2-for-4, 2 RBIs, run scored) and Tanner Wilson (2-for-4, run scored).
Bermudez got LU out to the quick start on the first pitch of the inning. The Puerto Rico native crushed Guzman’s opening offering over the left field wall to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
After Bermudez’s long ball the Cardinals got a single from Ben MacNaughton followed by Kanin Dodge reaching on an error. Senior Josh Blankenship then singled through the left side to score the second run. Classmate Ryan Snell drove in the next two runs when he doubled off the wall in left field. Snell would eventually close out the scoring in the first when he came around on a wild pitch.
LU’s offense stayed on the attack adding six more runs heading into the top of the ninth before Alcorn could get on the board but by then it was too little too late.
Lamar will go in search of the outright record Friday when they open a three-game series against Pennsylvania. The series against the Quakers is slated to get under way Friday at 6 p.m.