Sam Houston State defeated Northwestern State 5-4 in the first game of a three-game Southland Conference baseball series to run their winning streak to 10 games Thursday night at Don Sanders Stadium.
Designated hitter Anthony Azar went 2-for-4 with 2 RBIs to lead the Bearkats at the plates
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the second inning, Sam Houston turned four hits, two walks and an error into five runs. Designated hitter Anthony Azar brought in two runs with a two-out single, catcher John Hale brought in another with a sacrifice fly and center fielder Colt Atwood added an RBI single. The first run by first baseman Ryan O'Hearn scored on the error.
Northwestern State drew first blood in the first inning as center fielder stole home with two out and the bases loaded. The Demons picked up a second run in the top of the third on an RBI single by third baseman Ryan Westbrook.
Consecutive RBI doubles by first baseman Nick Hinojos and left fielder Will Watson with two outs in the top of the seventh cut the Bearkat margin to 5-4.
Cody Dickson started on the mound for SHSU, but was replaced by Brandon Bergen with one out in the fourth inning after giving up two hits, three walks and hitting four batters.
Sam Houston stands 21-9 for the year and 10-2 in Southland Conference play. The Bearkats are in first place. Northwestern State dropped to 12-15 and 9-4 in league action.
