HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — Hunter Alvord broke out of a slump with three hits, including a two-run homer, and drove in three runs to lead Sam Houston to a 16-1 victory over Prairie View A&M in nonconference baseball Saturday.

The game, which began in the afternoon and concluded in the evening, saw the Bearkats (6-7) erupt for 15 hits to secure the weekend series after a shutout win Friday. The Panthers (2-7) managed only four hits and were plagued by defensive miscues.

Sam Houston starter Collin Aloisio earned the win, allowing one run on five hits over five innings with four strikeouts. Prairie View’s Oliver Brown took the loss after surrendering three runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief.

The most important part of the game was Sam Houston’s immediate and sustained offensive response after falling behind early. Prairie View’s Basilio Williams doubled to lead off the game and later scored on a double play, giving the Panthers a brief 1-0 lead. The Bearkats answered emphatically in the bottom of the first, scoring three runs on a combination of small ball and Prairie View mistakes. Caleb Cotton doubled, scored on an error, and Hunter Alvord came home on a groundout after stealing a base and advancing on a wild pitch. This first-inning rally set the tone for the rest of the lopsided contest.

Alvord, who had been hitless in his previous 11 at-bats, singled in a run in the third inning and then blasted a 412-foot, two-run homer to left field in the fifth as part of a three-run inning that extended the lead to 12-1. His double in the sixth inning preceded him scoring the Bearkats’ final run.

Sam Houston’s offense was relentless. Caleb Cotton went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Cade Corcoran also had three hits and drove in two. Pinch-hitter Easton Dean provided the exclamation point in the sixth inning with a three-run homer to right field, making it 15-1.

Prairie View’s Williams was a bright spot, going 2 for 4 with an RBI double in the third that plated the Panthers’ lone run. Sam Houston relievers Mason Murphy and Kade Neuenschwander each pitched a perfect inning to close out the game.

The victory pushed Sam Houston back to .500 for the season, while Prairie View dropped its seventh game in its last eight outings. The Bearkats’ 16-run output far exceeded the Interstat game simulator’s projection of a 3-2 Sam Houston win.

Sam Houston is scheduled to play at Baylor on Tuesday. Prairie View will travel to face Stetson on Wednesday.