The Sam Houston State baseball team grabbed it’s third straight victory after defeating the Prairie View A&M Panthers with an 8-1 win on Tuesday.
SHSU (3-1) scored the eight runs off of nine hits and three errors. A solid defensive effort by the Kats kept the Panthers (0-4) to only one run from four hits.
Michael Burchett started and got the win for the Bearkats, allowing only two hits in a season-high six innings pitched. SHSU sent out three other pitchers after Burchett including Andrew Godail, Michael Hillard and Caleb Smith.
Smith, who started and took the loss for the Bearkats on opening night, gained his first save of the season, as he allowed no hits or runs in the ninth inning.
The Bearkats started strong by scoring three runs in the second inning. First baseman Anthony Azar, who had two hits on the day, started it all with a double, and then Prairie View pitcher, Cody Thompson, walked the next three batters. This scored Azar and then a single by shortstop Corey Toups drove in two more runs.
The sixth inning was also rough for the Panthers. They committed all three of their errors in this inning, one of which allowed two runs to score.
Luke Plucheck, in only his second start got on base four times, and scored two runs. Colt Atwood went two for five and scored a run. There were a total of 10 Bearkat base runners that got on with a walk.
The Bearkats start a four-game road trip this weekend. They first play a three-game series against Louisiana-Monroe, and then one game against Baylor next Tuesday.
Game one of the three-game series with Louisiana-Monroe will be on Friday. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.