Arkansas State scored two runs in the eighth inning and two in the ninth to rally and beat the Bearkats 5-3 Friday night.

In the eighth inning reliever Juan Cortina loaded the bases with one out and was replaced by Alan Scott. The lefty struck out the number seven hitter Collin Massanelli and was replaced by Jason Simms who gave up a two-run single to pinch hitter Ryan Roberts.

It was a similar situation in the top of the ninth. Simms loaded the bases with just one out and Derek Barosh replaced him. Barosh immediately gave up a two-run single to right fielder Ryan Emery.

Sam Houston took a 2-1 lead in the third inning after short stop Carter Burgess hit a two run double off the left-field wall. Burgess drove in Luke Plucheck and Colt Atwood who had each walked with two outs in the inning.

The Bearkats third run came with two outs in the seventh when Burgess reached on an error by the third baseman, scoring second baseman Ryan Farney.

Caleb Smith started and pitched 6 1/3 innings allowing just one run on five hits and five walks while striking out nine.

Atwood and Farney each had two hits in the game while Atwood had three walks and reached all five times he was at the plate.

Arkansas State reliever Chandler Hawkins gave up just one hit in 2 1/3 and got the win. The Red Wolves' starter John Koch pitched 6 2/3 allowing two earned runs on six hits.

Game two of the three-game series is Saturday at 4 p.m. at Don Sanders Stadium.