For Immediate Release Friday, February 6, 2004
Contact: Dave Geringer, UTPA Sports Information Director
LAMAR TAKES CLASSIC OPENER

EDINBURG, TX-Lamar scored twice in the top of the seventh inning and came from behind for a 3-2 victory over Kansas in the first game of the UTPA/Al Ogletree Classic at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium Friday afternoon.

LU first baseman Ryan Finan greeted Jayhawk reliever Jacob Jean with a tie-breaking, run-scoring double to left center field, scoring third baseman Adrian Cantu with the go-ahead run to cap a two-run Cardinal rally. Lamar had tied the score moments earlier when right fielder John Allen's infield single drove in center fielder Rocky Craigen from third base.

The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the third inning. Craigen doubled and scored on a single by left fielder Jordan Foster. Allen followed with a double off the right field fence, but Foster was thrown out at the plate when KU second baseman Matt Baty relayed a throw from right fielder Matt Tribble, ending the inning.

KU took the lead in the fourth. Shortstop Ritchie Price walked and was erased when left fielder Andy Schull hit into a fielder's choice. Schull moved to third on first baseman Ryan Baty's double, and both runners scored on Tribble's single to center field.

Scott Vanderweg, who relieved Lamar starter Trey Rinando in the fifth and pitched four hitless, scoreless innings, earned the victory and improved to 1-0. Kyle Stutes pitched a perfect ninth for his first save. KU starter Ryan Knippschild, who allowed all three runs on 10 hits, took the loss and fell to 1-1.

The Cardinals improved to 1-0 with the victory, while Kansas dropped to 7-3. Kansas will play host Texas-Pan American Saturday at 5:00 p.m. while Lamar will play Sam Houston State Saturday at 9:00 p.m.

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