The Bearkats were fueled by a five-run fourth inning in route to an 11-3 win and a three-game sweep of Northwestern State. SHSU is tied for first in the Southland with Lamar.

Sam Houston (27-17, 12-6) outscored the Demons 26-8 in the three-game series and is now riding a five-game winning streak.

Third baseman Kevin Miller got the scoring started in the first inning with a single up the middle to score catcher Anthony Azar. The score remained 1-0 until the fourth inning.

Azar got things started in the fourth with a double down the leftfield line. It was the first of just three hits in the inning and the only extra-base hit. Designated hitter Hayden Simerly walked and left fielder Luke Plucheck was hit by a pitch to drive in Azar. After a lineout, the Kats scored a run on a fielder's choice and a groundout. First baseman Jessie Plumlee singled to score two more runs and make the score 7-0.

Starter Caleb Smith tossed six solid innings allowing just one unearned run on two hits. The lefty struck out four but walked six. Reliever Juan Cortina allowed two runs in 2/3 of an inning pitched.

The Bearkats added a run each in the fifth and eighth innings before exploding for three more in the ninth inning. Azar led off with a single and scored on a triple by Miller. Miles Manning replaced Carter Burgess at shortstop and doubled to score Miller. Right fielder Romeo Cortina singled to score Manning and make the Kats lead 11-3.

Alan Scott, Jason Simms, and Michael Burchett combined to pitch the final 2 1/3 innings of the ballgame. Burchett pitched a perfect ninth inning to seal the win.

Sam Houston will play at Texas-San Antonio Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. for the Kats final midweek game of the season.