Lamar hosts Stephen F. Austin in key Southland series opener

BEAUMONT, Texas (Interstat) — Lamar seeks to build on its momentum in the Southland Conference standings when it opens a three-game series Thursday against Stephen F. Austin.

The Cardinals enter with a 28-24 record, one game ahead of the Lumberjacks at 26-24. First pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Vincent-Beck Stadium.

Lamar took two of three from Stephen F. Austin in the teams’ previous meeting in Nacogdoches on March 6-8. The Lumberjacks won the series finale 14-11 on March 8 after splitting a doubleheader March 6, winning 6-4 before losing 11-3.

Stephen F. Austin comes off a series win at Incarnate Word, capped by a 9-6 victory Saturday. Third baseman Ethan Pena went 3 for 5 with three RBIs in that game, continuing an up-and-down stretch. Over his past seven games, Pena has a .250 average (6 for 24) and has driven in three runs, but he also has been held hitless in four of those contests.

Lamar split a doubleheader Saturday at Houston Christian, winning 5-3 before dropping the nightcap 9-5. A player to watch for the Cardinals is right-hander Chris Olivier, who has shown flashes of dominance.

Olivier threw a complete-game shutout April 17 against Northwestern State, scattering two hits and striking out 11. In his two most recent outings, however, he struggled, allowing three earned runs in six innings against Southeastern Louisiana on May 2 and surrendering eight earned runs in 3 2/3 innings at New Orleans on April 24.

The Lumberjacks have leaned on a balanced pitching staff throughout conference play. Noah O’Farrell threw three scoreless innings of relief in the May 9 win, and the team’s bullpen has been effective in close games.

Lamar’s offense has provided ample run support, averaging 8.3 runs over its past six games, including a 15-14 extra-inning win at Sam Houston on May 5. Second baseman Cade Pregeant led the way in Saturday’s loss with two home runs and five RBIs.

Both teams are fighting for positioning in the conference tournament field. A series win for Lamar would solidify its standing, while Stephen F. Austin needs a strong finish to close the gap.

The game Thursday marks the first of three between the rivals, with the series continuing Friday and Saturday.