March 25, 2012
Final Stats
HAMMOND, Louisiana - UT Arlington was swept for the first time this season after failing to hold onto another lead Sunday afternoon. Southeastern Louisiana rallied for 6-3 victory in the finale of the three-game Southland Conference series.
The Mavericks weren't able to salvage the finale of the three-game Southland Conference series despite leading 3-1 going into the bottom of the seventh. UTA couldn't hold a late 7-4 lead in Friday's series opener.
The three-game sweep leaves the Mavericks at 13-11 overall and 3-6 in the league, while SLU improved to 18-6 and 6-3.
The Mavericks weren't able to take advantage of a solid start from Kasey Merck or Preston Beck's fifth home run of the season. An error by shortstop Ryan Walker on a potential double-play ball proved costly as the Lions overcame a 3-1 deficit with five runs in the seventh.
SLU right fielder Cody Gouglar had the big blow in the inning, a bases-loaded double off reliever Adam Boydston that cleared the bags.
Walker and Preston Morrow opened the game with back-to-back singles off SLU starter Josh Janway. Beck walked on four pitches to load the bases for Michael Guerra.
The second baseman hit into a double play, but Walker scored. Matt Shortall grounded out with Morrow at third to end the threat and the inning.
The Lions were able to string three hits together in the bottom of the first, but didn't score. Morrow gunned down Michael Rutland at the plate from left field after the third hit.
SLU tied the game in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to right. Beck's throw home easily beat Lions runner Brett Hoffman, but he avoided the tag and was able to beat catcher Greg McCall back to the plate.
Beck got the run right back in sixth by smashing a Janway offering high over the extended wall in right. It was also Beck's team-leading 30th RBI, which ranks among the nation's leaders.
The Mavericks added another run in the sixth when Guerra scored on a bad throw to first to lead 3-1.
Merck scattered eight hits in 5.1 innings, but only gave up one run and didn't factor in the decision. Boydston (0-1) took the loss.
After six straight games on the road, UTA is back at Clay Gould Ballpark for Tuesday night's matchup with TCU.
