Sam Houston dropped its first conference series of the season with Sunday's 5-1 loss to Lamar on the road. The Bearkats (20-15, 8-4) remain tied for first in the Southland standings with three other teams.

Lamar took a 2-0 lead in the second inning after a two-out error kept the inning alive. The error was followed by back-to-back walks.

The Bearkats cut the Cardinals lead to one run in the fifth inning after first baseman Ryan O'Hearn led off with a double and scored. The Kats stranded two runners in the inning and left eight on base for the game.

The Cardinals added some insurance with a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning and two additional runs in the sixth.

Starter Caleb Smith put two runners on the sixth and was replaced by Michael Burchett who allowed an RBI double and was lifted without recording an out. Smith pitched 5 1/3 innings and was charged with 5 runs, only three earned, on just two hits and four walks.

Alan Scott pitched the final 2 2/3 innings in relief. Scott gave up a single to score the inherited runner in the sixth but only allowed one hit the rest of the way.

Sam Houston will host nationally ranked Texas A&M Tuesday at Don Sanders Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and a large crowd is expected. Purchase tickets online by clicking here or over the phone by calling 936-294-1729.