LAWTON – The Cameron University baseball team battled multiple rain delays today in its contest against Abilene Christian. Nevertheless, the Aggies topped the Wildcats 3-0 in the opening game of the series.

The Black and Gold picked up two runs in the third inning. Thomas Galvin started the inning off by hammering a double up the middle. Taylor Lyons stepped up to the plate next and hit a gem of a bunt down the third base line, earning his way to first and advancing Galvin. Outfielder Brad Blummer then grounded out to the first baseman, allowing Galvin to score. Lyons would go on to score on the next play when Pre-Season All-American Josh Dawson singled up the middle.

CU tacked on its final run in the fifth. Benshell Garcia scooted around the bases, taking advantage of a combination of Wildcat errors and the help of his teammates. Garcia reached on an error by the second baseman to advance to first and then stole second. A sacrifice bunt by Galvin permitted him to move to third. Garcia finally reached home on a passed ball, giving the Aggies the 3-0 lead, which would eventually become the final score.

Clay Vanderlaan claimed the win as he pitched an incredible game for the Black and Gold. The CU senior allowed just one hit and collected some nine strikeouts in seven innings of action.

Cameron baseball coach Todd Holland was impressed with Vanderlaan’s performance.

“Clay pitched really, really, really well. He worked really hard and had a pitch count of just 70 in through seven innings,” Holland said. “I think this is the best outing I have seen him have in the three years he has been here.”

The Aggies began the second game of the series, but play was suspended due to weather in the bottom of the fifth. The contest will resume tomorrow at 11 a.m. at McCord Field.