BEAUMONT, Texas – Texas A&M-Corpus Christi out-hit Lamar 9-6 on Friday night, but nine walks and another four hit batters allowed Lamar to cruise past the Islanders 8-2 in a series-clinching victory.
For a second consecutive day, the Islanders (13-22, 5-9) jumped out to the early advantage as
Brian Deaver and
Lukas Hermanson each doubled in the top of the third to open the scoring.
The lead lasted into the bottom of the fourth, when Lamar (21-15, 8-9) scored all eight of its runs on the night. The eight markers came on just three hits as Islanders pitchers walked four and hit another pair, giving the Cardinals six free passes in the frame. The Blue and Green also committed its only error of the evening in the frame, compounding the issues.
Cole Carter (3-5) was charged with the loss as the right-hander allowed six runs, five earned on three hits. After escaping a bases loaded jam in the first, Carter navigated the next two frames with ease before the troublesome fourth.
A hit-by-pitch started the decisive frame and was followed by a single, error and a walk to level the game. Another single and hit-by-pitch would end Carter's night, giving Lamar a 3-1 advantage.
Nolan Holland came on in an effort to put out the fire, but issued three walks while getting just a single out before exiting. Holland was officially charged with a pair of runs, one earned, while allowing all three inherited runners to score.
Korey Rasure entered as the Islanders' third pitcher of the inning, finally ending the frame. The damage was done, however, as Lamar racked up eight runs, which proved more than enough.
Lamar starter Jimmy Johnson (3-4) earned the win, going five innings with just a single run on the ledger.
Hermanson and
Nick Anderson led the Islanders at the plate with two-hit nights each. Hermanson finished 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI while Anderson went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Luke Marbach did not make an out on the night, going 1-for-1 with three walks and a hit-by-pitch.
The Islanders will look to salvage a game in the series in Saturday's finale. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. with
Devin Skapura on the hill for the Blue and Green.
