Lamar fends off Cal Poly to start Championship Round

Lamar enjoyed unusual success against Cal Poly ace Sierra Hyland and put together 12 hits and six walks to top the Mustangs on Sunday, 8-6, and move one step further in the Championship Round of the NISC.
 
The Cardinals took a 6-3 lead in the top of the fourth, with the inning capped by a three-run homer from Sable Hankins off Hyland, who did not allow a run during Cal Poly’s three games in regionals. Hyland’s triple for the Mustangs tied the game at 6-all in the bottom of the frame.
 
Lamar went ahead for good with two runs in the top of the sixth, as Corina Thornton’s hit drove in one run, with another coming across on an error. Cardinals pitcher Ciara Luna, who threw all seven innings, escaped a bases-load, no-outs jam in the bottom of the sixth and saw Cal Poly put two runners on with no outs in the bottom of the seventh. But Luna got two popouts to second base and one to shortstop to end the contest.
 
Brittany Rodriguez had four hits for Lamar, and Brynn Baca scored twice. Cal Poly’s Hailey Martin had two RBI.
 
Lamar will face Illinois State on Monday, while Cal Poly plays in the loser’s bracket on Monday.