Lamar sports information

BEAUMONT — Shannon Klaus went 5-for-6 on the evening as the Lamar Cardinals split a Southland Conference softball doubleheader with the visiting Southeastern Lady Lions on Friday.

Klaus went 3-for-3 as the Cardinals (19-16 overall, 5-6 Southland) won the opener 5-2. She added two hits as LU dropped a 7-0 decision in the nightcap.

LU senior right-hander Laura Napoli threw a complete game, scattering six hits, as the Cardinals overcame five errors to claim the victory.

Napoli (8-7) allowed two unearned runs while striking out a season-high six hitters.

In Game 2, the Cardinals were held in check by Southeastern Louisiana starter Rachel Hayes (7-5), who threw a five-hitter. Hayes retired the first nine batters she faced before LU’s Savana Guidry led off the fourth inning with an infield single.

LU starter Taylor Gruell (7-6) took the loss. Gruell went 3 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and four runs, all earned. She walked three and struck out two. Erin Kyle allowed two hits and two runs, one earned in 2/3 inning of relief, while Julia Voluntad allowed three hits and one unearned run over the final three innings.

Southeastern Louisiana fell to 20-13 and 7-4.

BASEBALL

HBU 5, LAMAR 2

HOUSTON — Despite bringing the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, Lamar was stung by a three-run fifth that saw Houston Baptist take advantage of a couple mistakes to record a 5-2 victory Friday afternoon at Husky Stadium.

HBU scored their five runs on seven hits, while the Cardinals (5-22, 1-10 Southland) scored two runs on seven hits. Matthew McCollough got the win going eight innings for the Huskies surrendering one run on six hits and walking two. Noah Sills pitched four strong innings for the Cardinals before getting into trouble in the fifth. He surrendered four runs on five hits, while striking out four.

Grant Devore was one of three Cardinals to end the day with a multiple-hit game. He finished the afternoon 2-of-5 at the plate, driving in both Cardinals’ runs. Jack Dallas came on in relief and pitched 2 2/3 innings striking out four with no walks.