Nacogdoches - Just four outs away from earning a series sweep over Stephen F. Austin to start 2011 Southland play, the Bearkat softball team gave up three unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth as the Lumberjacks won 3-1 Wednesday at the SFA Softball Field.
Sam Houston won the opening two games of the series in a doubleheader Tuesday by scores of 2-1 and 10-2.
The Bearkats took a 1-0 lead in the third inning as Alyssa Coggins bunted and reached on an error by the first baseman. Coggins scored on a single by Alex Survant. The senior outfielder led Sam Houston at the plate Wednesday, going 2-for-4.
After a pair of singles in the bottom of the sixth, a Bearkat error loaded the bases. Sam Houston got its first out with a force at home plate and earned the second on a pop foul ball.
But Lauren Luetge tagged a shot to deep center fielder for a triple to bring in the winning runs for the Lumberjacks.
Tomi Garrison produced another outstanding performance in the circle, spreading six hits over six innings and striking out four Lumberjacks.
Stephen F. Austin upped its season record to 4-15 while Sam Houston dropped to 9-14 for the year with the loss.
The Bearkats continue their Southland Conference road swing beginning a three-game series at Nicholls in Thibodaux, La., on Saturday.
