Lamar sports information

HAMMOND, La. — The Lamar softball team came up short in a pitchers dual on Saturday afternoon against Southeastern Louisiana at North Oak Park. The Cards were limited to four hits and were defeated 1-0 by SLU.

With the loss, LU drops to 20-24 on the season and 11-7 in Southland play.

In the first inning of the contest, Shannon Klaus recorded her 39th career stolen base at Lamar, which set the LU career record.

For the Cards, Ruiz pitched four innings and limited the Lady Lions to four hits and one run, while striking out two. Erin Kyle pitched two innings of relief and only allowed one hit.

In the top of the first inning, Klaus led off with a single up the middle. With one out, Klaus stole second base that set the LU career stolen base record with 39. However, Klaus would be left stranded on second base as the next two Cardinals were retired.

After allowing the Lady Lions its first hit of the day in the bottom of the second inning to the leadoff hitter. Aaliyah Ruiz settled in and struck out Kraft and McCoy for two outs of the inning. She got the next batter to pop up by the Cards committed an error but recovered to throw Beal out at home, keeping the game scoreless.

Victoria Garivey picked up the Cards second hit of the game in the top of the third inning as she singled up the middle. Mackenzie Futrell pitch ran for Garivey and moved to second on a ground out. With two outs and Futrell on second, however she would be stranded as a pop out ended the inning.

Ruiz continued to deal in the bottom of the third inning. She got Blackford to fly out to center field to start the inning. The next hitter grounded out on a bunt attempt before allowing a single to Doucet. Doucet followed by stealing second and third base with two outs. With Doucet on third, Ruiz got Ramon to line out to third for the final out of the inning.

The Lady Lions broke the scoreless tie in the bottom of the fifth inning. McCoy led off with a double to right center and pinch hitter Bennett followed with a double to left field that scored McCoy, putting SLU ahead, 1-0.

Shaina Amir led off the top of the sixth inning with a leadoff double for LU. However, the next hitter for Lamar hit into a double play. Kimberly Mattox looked to get the offense going again but flew out to center field ending the inning.

Heading to the top of the seventh, LU needed to score one run, however Lady Lions pitcher McDonald got the Cardinals out in order ending the game. The Lady Lions came away with a 1-0 victory.

The Cards return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Waco to face Baylor. First-pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4 p.m. from Getterman Stadium.