CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Interstat) — Beau Durbin launched two home runs and drove in three, while starter Chris Olivier and reliever Travis Lutz combined for a dominant pitching performance as the Lamar Cardinals defeated the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders 7-3 in a Southland Conference game Saturday evening.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded under the lights, saw the Cardinals even the weekend series after dropping the opener. Lamar improved to 13-10 overall, while the Islanders fell to 11-12.

The most important sequence of the game came in the bottom of the fifth inning, which defined the contest. Lamar held a 2-0 lead, built on Durbin’s solo homer in the first and an RBI single from A.J. Taylor in the fifth. Olivier had been nearly untouchable, carrying a no-hit bid into the frame. The Islanders’ Logan Barron broke it up with a one-out double. After a strikeout, a single by Justin Flaggert scored Barron. Jackson Smith then followed with an RBI double to plate Flaggert, cutting the deficit to 3-2 and bringing the tying run to the plate.

Facing sudden momentum, Olivier bore down and struck out Cole Towchik to end the threat and preserve the lead. That clutch strikeout halted the Islanders’ rally and proved to be the turning point, as the Cardinals’ bullpen would not allow another run.

Olivier earned the win, working six innings and allowing three runs, only one earned, on four hits. He struck out eight. After the fifth-inning hiccup, he retired the side in order in the sixth. Lutz was overpowering in relief, firing three perfect innings and striking out six to earn the save. The duo held the Islanders to just six total hits.

Lamar provided ample support, tallying 11 hits. Durbin’s second homer, a two-run shot in the eighth inning, provided critical insurance. He finished 3 for 4. Kevin Duran also had three hits and an RBI.

For Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, starter Luke Singleton took the loss despite a solid effort, allowing two runs on four hits over 4 2/3 innings while striking out seven. Smith drove in two of the Islanders’ three runs.

The Cardinals’ victory defied a difficult start to the series after a 6-1 loss on Friday. Olivier’s performance continued a strong stretch; he tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts in his previous start.

The teams conclude the three-game series Sunday afternoon.