A three-run second inning was all the Bearkats needed to take down Houston Baptist, 7-2, and win the series. Sam Houston State (36-14, 18-8 SLC) has won ten straight games and will go for a third straight weekend series sweep.  

Second baseman Shea Pierce got the second inning start with a single to center field and was sacrificed to second base by third baseman Ryan Farney. Left fielder Luke Plucheck struck out but was able to reach on a wild pitch.

A second-straight wild pitch allowed Pierce to score from third base and give SHSU an early 1-0 lead.

Center fielder Colt Atwood kept the inning alive with a one-out walk. Designated hitter Hayden Simerly came through with a two-run single to center field to score Plucheck and Atwood.

Shortstop Corey Toups hit his second home run of the weekend in the fifth inning to make the score 5-0. He finished the day 2-for-4 with a homer, a double and two RBI and a run scored.

Starter Jason Simms allowed just one run in six innings of work, a solo homer in the sixth inning. He worked out of jams throughout the game, allowing four hits, two walks and a hit batter.

Nolan Riggs pitched 2/3 innings of relief in the seventh and allowed another solo homer. The run was the first charged to Riggs in his last 13 innings of work.

Alan Scott pitched the final 2 1/3 innings out of the bullpen and didn't allow a single base runner. The lefty struck out three batters. Scott picked up his fourth save of the season.

First baseman Ryan O'Hearn added a pair of insurance runs in the ninth inning with a two-run double to right field, scoring Atwood and Azar.