Cowboys blow lead in ninth inning, Ruiz hits two home runs
Published 8:00 am Monday, May 8, 2023
By Jim Gazzolo
Special to the American Press
Ethan Ruiz hit his second three-run homer of the day to lift Lamar over McNeese State 10-9 Sunday afternoon at Joe Miller Ballpark.
The blast capped a four-run inning for the Cardinals, who avoided the weekend sweep in the process.
The loss dropped McNeese to 30-16 overall and 11-10 in the Southland Conference. Lamar improved to 27-20, 10-11.
Ruiz, who gave the Cards a 3-0 lead in the first with his first home run of the day off starter Christian Vega, hit the big blow off McNeese closer Ty Abraham (1-2).
Abraham was looking for his third save of the series.
“This series could have gone either way all weekend,” said McNeese head coach Justin Hill. “Guys gave effort today. Credit them for the win.”
McNeese entered the ninth up 8-6 before the Cardinals picked up six hits in the frame.
The Cowboys followed with a rally in their half of the inning, with the first two batters reaching base. Then, on an 0-2 pitch, Tre’ Obregon appeared to get hit.
Home plate umpire Jeff Beaman ruled Obregon leaned into the pitch, an automatic strike three. The call stood after a replay review.
“That is not something you can argue,” Hill said. “It’s like balls and strikes. You can only ask for a review.”
McNeese still scored a run and had the bases loaded with two out. But Trhea Morse picked up his first save when pinch-hitter Elliot Herbert rolled out to first.
Jackson Cleveland (1-2) got the win despite blowing the save in the eight. Trying to hold a 6-5 lead, Cleveland allowed home runs to Obregon, his fourth, and Burckel (7) on back-to-back pitches.
Taylor Darden hit his fifth home run of the season for McNeese in the third. His two-run shot cut the Lamar lead to 3-2 at the time.
Obregon finished with three runs batted in while Ruiz led all players with six.
McNeese will travel to Nicholls for a non-conference game Tuesday before finishing up league play next weekend at Northwestern State.
