HUNTSVILLE – Parker Blackman homered, had four hits and finished a double shy of the cycle, but the Sam Houston Bearkats fell behind early and never drew even as NM State clinched the weekend series with a 9-6 win on Sunday afternoon at Don Sanders Stadium. 

The Kats (8-24, 2-7 CUSA) allowed nine runs in the first four innings to the Aggies (16-14, 5-4 CUSA), but still managed to work their way back into it and get the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning. The almost comeback was thanks in large part to reliever Felix Schlede who struck out three and did not allow a run in 4.0 shutout innings after entering in the fifth with Sam Houston down 9-3.  

Blackman, meanwhile, tripled and scored in the first inning and hit his first collegiate homer in the seventh inning, finishing 4-for-5. It was the second of two longballs in the game for the Kats with Brady Christensen also delivering solo shot, his third blast of the season. 

Devin Bennett took the loss on the mound, getting the start but being lifted only one batter into the second inning. He was the first of four Sam Houston arms to take to the bump in the opening four frames before Schlede was able to stop the bleeding.  

Aggie reliever Carson Timmons earned his first win of the season with 2.0 innings of relief of opening pitcher Chris Daniels.  

UP NEXT  
The Kats will continue their 9-game homestand on Tuesday night when they host the Texas A&M Aggies, who are coming off a road series win at No. 1 Tennessee, at 6:00 p.m. at Don Sanders Stadium. The game is set to air on ESPN+.