In the first of Friday’s two games, the Sam Houston State Bearkats beat the Dallas Baptist Patriots 2-1.

Starting pitcher Tyler Eppler went seven innings for SHSU (41-17, 22-8 Southland) and improved his record to 5-1 over his last six starts, while Alan Scott got the save.

DBU’s Cy Sneed gave up one earned run over six innings, but was pulled before the seventh inning for Josh Urban.

Bearkats outfielder Luke Plucheck would get his team on the board first with a two out RBI single in the second inning.

In the fourth inning, SHSU put their first two batters on base, but couldn’t capitalize as Sneed retired the next three. Sneed would find himself in another jam in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and a 3-1 count. The Patriots pitcher battled back and struck out Carter Burgess to end the inning.

DBU (40-19, 14-7 Missouri Valley) would then respond with their lone run of the game.

Drew Turbine drove in a score on a fielder’s choice in the fifth. That would be all the offense the Patriots could muster, however, as Eppler kept DBU at bay for the remainder of the game.

The next run scored, a single in the eighth, would prove the difference as Travis Lee put the Bearkats up 2-1 for the game winner.

“I thought Cy did a good job for us and got us through a couple jams,” DBU head coach Dan Heefner said. “He gave us a good start and unfortunately we couldn’t bring it home.”

Sneed saw the game as a good experience for the team and hopes they’ll play more relaxed tomorrow.

“I think everyone got the jitters out of the way and it’s good that everyone now has regional experience,” Sneed said.

SHSU head coach David Pierce spoke highly of the pitching and adjustments his pitchers made after allowing base runners.

“There were a few momentum changes throughout the game and our pitchers made great adjustments allowing us to come out on top,” said Pierce.

Sam Houston State will play the winner of the TCU-Siena matchup Saturday night at 7 p.m.