Sam Houston held a 2-1 lead after sixth innings but two-run single by designated hitter Gunner Wright in the bottom of the eighth proved to be the game-winner for the  home team.

The Bearkats had an opportunity to tie the game in the ninth with one out and runners on first and third base.  But right-hander Rick Peppitone struck out Sam Houston's final two batters to pick up his first victory on the mound in relief.

Brent Powers, Caleb Smith and Daniel Nottebart combined for another strong outing for the Kat pitching staff. Powers pitched the first five innings, giving up only four hits and striking out four. Caleb Smith pitched the next two and one-third innings. Daniel Nottebart took the loss in relief.

Sam Houston scored in the top of the first inning as Payton Wisener walked, reached second on a second walk and moved to third on a ground out. Mark Hudson's sacrifice fly to right put the Kats up 1-0.

The Bearkats answered a Tulane run in the bottom of the fifth with a tally in the top of the sixth. Catcher John Hale doubled, was bunted to third and scored on a single by Braeden Riley. Chris Andreas followed up with a double but Riley was thrown out at the plate from right field on the play.

Andreas went 2-for-3 at the plate and Ryan Mooney was 2-for-4 to lead Sam Houston.

The Bearkats and Green Wave will face off in the rubber game of the series Sunday at 1 p.m.