Baseball falls to ULM, 8-3

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee overcame an early deficit, but it wasn't enough as the Blue Raiders fell to visiting ULM on Saturday evening at Reese Smith Jr. Field.

Justin Guidry was the standout performer offensively, finishing 3-for-5 at the plate with a two-run homer in the third.

Johnny Thomas went 2-for-5, and Hank LaRue was the only other Blue Raider with multiple hits, going 2-for-3 with a pair of walks and a run scored.

As a team, Middle Tennessee (14-26, 6-11 SBC) and ULM were even in hits with 10 apiece, but the Blue Raiders stranded 13 on the base paths to the Warhawks' seven.

Hunter Adkins got the start on the mound for MT, and went six innings. The sophomore gave up an early two-run homer, but pitched a scoreless second and third frame. However, ULM got to him again with a run in each the fourth and fifth inning to put him in line for the loss.

Guidry threw the final three frames, allowing four runs, one of which was unearned.

After ULM (20-18, 6-11 SBC) grabbed the early 2-0 lead, Middle Tennessee began to climb back into it with a run in the bottom of the second. LaRue earned a one-out walk, and made his way to third on a single through the right side. A Dain McNabb sacrifice fly scored the run.

The Blue Raiders took a one run advantage an inning later. Acker led off with a single, setting up Guidry's two-run shot over the right field wall.

The Warhawks grabbed the lead for good in the fifth at 4-3, but Middle Tennessee had nearly tied things up in the seventh. LaRue led off with a single, and advanced all the way to third on a fielding error in center. The freshman attempted to score moments later, only to be caught stealing on the play.

The Warhawks would extend their lead with four runs in the final two innings to set up the rubber game.

Middle Tennessee will play the third and final meeting of the series on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Reese Smith Jr. Field. Eric Gilley is slated to make the start for the Blue Raiders.

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