MONROE – A stifling wind blowing in from centerfield did little to slow down the explosive ULM offense in Wednesday’s 10-4 win over visiting Northwestern State.
Even though the Demons (4-31) struck first with a run just three batters into the game, a four-run bottom half of the inning from the Warhawks (27-13) gave them a lead they did not relinquish, scoring in four of their six total trips to the plate.
After Northwestern drew within 4-3, ULM scored six unanswered runs over the next three innings to take command and complete a season sweep of a home-and-home series played for the first time in eight years.
For the fourth game in a row, DJ Lynch drove in a Demon run with a sacrifice fly to shallow right giving NSU the early 1-0 lead.
The Demons needed three batters to score one run in the top of the inning, then ULM used the same number to take the lead in the bottom.
A walk, steal of second and RBI single tied the game two batters in, followed by another steal and double to left that put ULM ahead 2-1. Starting pitcher Kaymie Chandler got the next two batters out but a wild pitch and one of four errors in the game led to a third run. Another walk and third steal in the inning put a runner in scoring position for the second RBI single of the frame and a 4-1 ULM lead.
The first three batters of the second reached for NSU in the top of the second. Making her first career start as a position player, Grace Ann McDonald hit a flare just over the head of the shortstop for her first career hit and RBI to cut the ULM lead in half.
The Demons only added one more run on the bases loaded no-out scenario. Sophia Livers picked up the RBI on ground ball to third that allowed Ragsdale to score making it a 4-3 game.
More walks and stolen bases led to two more runs for ULM in the bottom of the inning. Chandler surrendered five walks in the game and ULM stole seven bases.
NSU got hits in both the third and fourth innings but were kept off the scoreboard and were only retired in order twice in the game, in the fifth and seventh innings.
The Warhawks pulled away in the bottom of the fifth inning scoring three runs on three hits to take a 10-3 lead.
The Demons’ final run was self-made. For the fifth time this year NSU executed the steal of home with Sara Kate Booker getting caught in a rundown between first and second as pinch runner Riley Schwisow slid home safely on the play.
Northwestern hosts Stephen F. Austin in a Southland Conference series this weekend, with a Friday doubleheader and a single game slated for Saturday, weather permitting.