April 16, 2010

Final Stats

Hammond, Louisiana - Both Texas State and Southeastern Louisiana rapped out nine hits in tonight's battle between the top two Southland Conference teams, but three Bobcat errors shifted the momentum toward the No. 23 Lions and the foe took a 10-1 decision Friday night in the series opener at Alumni Field.

Texas State is now 20-12 overall and 12-4 in the league, while SLU improves to 28-8 and 11-5, respectively.

Carson Smith and Brandon Efferson competed on the mound for three-straight scoreless innings, but it was Smith's wall that broken first. In the bottom of the fourth, the sophomore issued a walk to Justin Boudreaux and in an attempt to erase the runner at first; Smith's pick-off throw went wild, putting the runner in scoring position. The Lions took advantage of the offering and three base hits put two runs across for the foe's early lead.

SLU came right back in the fifth scoring three runs, two of which were unearned, on just one hit. A walk and a hit batter put runners in scoring position, and an attempted sacrifice bunt to the pitcher loaded the bases when Smith went to third with an errant throw. A base hit and groundout later, SLU held a 5-0 advantage over Texas State.

The Bobcats managed one run in the seventh after Jeff McVaney laced a one-out double to the right center gap. A wild pitch from Efferson put him on third base and Tyler Sibley followed with a base hit up the middle to drive in the run.

McVaney finished 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles to lead the team. Kyle Livingstone tallied a pair of hits, as well.

Efferson (7-1) maintained on the mound for a complete game, allowing one run off nine hits with one walk and one fanned batter.

SLU aided the right-handed hurler in the bottom of the eighth with five more runs to seal the victory.

Smith was saddled with the loss, falling to 4-3 after a 7.1 inning stint. Smith allowed six runs, four of which were earned with three walks and seven strikeouts.

Tomorrow's game is set for 2 p.m. at Alumni Field with RHP Michael Russo set to take the mound. SLU will counter with RHP Tyler Watkins.