Louisiana-Monroe fought back from an early three-run deficit to defeat Sam Houston State 8-6 Sunday afternoon, earning two victories in the three-game series this weekend.
Right fielder Jake Arrington had a hand in both Sam Houston's scoring innings.
Third baseman Kevin Miller, Arrington and second baseman Jessie Plumlee all three singled to start the three-run second inning for the Bearkats. Plumlee's single scored Miller. Arrington scored on a fielder's choice. Left fielder Luke Plucheck put the Kats up 3-0 with another RBI single.
The Warhawks scored a run apiece in the bottom of the second and fifth innings to cut the lead to 3-2. Lousiana-Monroe exploded for four runs in the sixth paced by a two-run homer to left field by center fielder Taylor Abdalla.
Arrington cut the ULM lead to 6-5 with a two-run triple down the left field line in the top of the seventh inning. But the Warhawks picked up two runs in the bottom of the seventh to extend the margin back to 8-5.
Sam Houston had one last opportunity in the top of the ninth as catcher John Hale singles and first baseman Ryan O'Hearn doubled down the left field line. Hale scored on a ground ball by Miller, but the War Hawks retired the next two batters to earn the win.
Louisiana-Monroe totaled their eight runs on 10 hits and four Bearkat errors. Sam Houston produced 11 hits as the Bearkats dropped to 4-3 for the season. Louisiana-Monroe stands 6-2.
Will Browning (1-0) was the winning pitcher in relief. Sam Houston starter Caleb Smith (0-2) drew the loss after pitching five innings. Five other Bearkats pitchers saw action.
Sam Houston travels to Waco to face the Baylor Bears Tuesday night then plays host to UC-Riverside in a three-game series beginning Friday at Don Sanders Stadium.
