MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Interstat) — Texas State scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to rally past Louisiana-Lafayette 4-3 on Thursday at the Sun Belt Baseball Championship, sending the Bobcats into the next round.

The Ragin’ Cajuns took a 3-0 lead into the final inning behind a dominant start from pitcher Ty Roman, who threw 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball, striking out eight. He left with a no-hitter intact after allowing no baserunners.

But the Bobcats broke through against the Louisiana-Lafayette bullpen. With one out, pinch hitter Cotton singled to drive in Stewart and cut the lead to 3-2. After a walk loaded the bases, Beheler walked to force in another run, tying the game. Parker Smith then entered in relief, but Rashawn Galloway lined a walk-off single through the left side, scoring Vossos and Cotton to complete the comeback.

Texas State’s bullpen kept the game close. Starter Ryan Markwardt allowed only two hits over 4 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out eight. He was followed by Cade Smith, who struck out three over four innings and allowed one earned run, and Jesus Tovar, who recorded the final out of the top of the ninth.

Louisiana-Lafayette took the lead in the third inning. With two outs, Galt walked, stole second and advanced to third on an error by shortstop Boles. Mandino laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored Galt unearned.

The Cajuns added a run in the eighth when Lee Amedee homered to deep left field, his fifth of the season. They extended the lead to 3-0 in the ninth when LaSalle reached on an error by center fielder Fryman, moved to third on a single and scored on a groundout by Rodriguez.

But the rally fell short as Texas State’s offense finally broke through.

The Bobcats managed only one hit through eight innings – a single by Namken in the seventh that was erased when he was caught stealing. Roman retired the side in order in the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth innings. He struck out the side in the first, striking out Salas and Stewart looking, and added two more strikeouts in the third.

For Texas State, Namken finished 2-for-4 with a double in the ninth inning. Galloway went 2-for-5 with two RBIs, including the walk-off hit.

Louisiana-Lafayette finished with five hits. Amedee’s home run was the only extra-base hit. The Cajuns left nine runners on base.

The win improved Texas State’s record to 36-22. Louisiana-Lafayette fell to 35-22.

Texas State entered as a slight favorite in betting markets, with the over-under set at 8.5 runs.