NACOGDOCHES – The Sam Houston Bearkats could not overcome a quick start by the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks on Friday night, falling 6-3 in the series opener at Jaycees Field.
 
The Kats (19-17, 15-10 SLC) were playing for the first time in two weeks and SFA (14-23, 11-14 SLC) took advantage of the rust with four runs in the first two innings, which proved to be enough.
 
Joseph Sgambelluri was outstanding for SFA in the start, picking up the win with 6.0 strong frames where he allowed just one run on two hits, striking out nine. Tyler Davis took the loss after allowing all six runs in his 5.0 innings of work with three strikeouts.
 
Offensively, Sam Houston was led by Colton Cowser's three hits while Gavin Johnson added two of his own.
 
The 'Jacks took an early lead on a sacrifice fly in the first and then opened it up with three runs in the second, highlighted by a 2-run homer by Jeff Zarrello.
 
Cowser got the Kats on the board with a double and came around to score in the sixth, and then picked up an RBI along with Anthony MacKenzie in the seventh to cut the lead to 6-3.
 
Sam Houston had a chance to rally in the ninth, getting a pair on base, but SFA's Chandler Poell was able to close it out with consecutive strikeouts.
 
The Kats and Jacks will now play a doubleheader on Saturday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Jaycees Field.