NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State starting pitcher Jimmy Heard laid the groundwork for a Demon 8-2 Southland Conference win over Texas-Arlington, throwing four hitless innings to start the game and on his way to picking up his sixth win of the season.

Heard was backed up by an explosive and productive offense that put up 13 hits and four extra-base hits as the Demons (22-18, 13-5 SLC), which won their fourth straight league game, remained in sole possession of first place in the East Division.

“This was a great start to the series,” said NSU skipper J.P. Davis.  “It all starts on the mound.  Jimmy (Heard) wasn’t sharp, but I told him that was the best job he’s done since he’s been here without his best stuff.”

Heard, who threw 7.1 innings and allowed two runs and six hits with four strikeouts, did not give up a hit until the fifth inning and held UTA (19-22, 10-9 SLC) scoreless until a run in the sixth.

On offense, third baseman Joe Urtuzuastegui went 3 for 4 with a home run, four RBI and two runs scored.  Catcher Anthony Jones matched him at the plate with a 3 for 4 showing with a home run, RBI, and two runs scored.

“That was just a complete game offensively,” said Davis.  “We got a couple of home runs, had the hit and run going, converted on a safety squeeze.  We executed everything tonight.”

After a scoreless first inning, the Demons plated three runs in the second when Jones singled and Chase Lyles walked to start the inning.  Brett Johnson moved the runners up with a sacrifice bunt and Dylan Libadisos loaded the bases after being plunked by a pitch.

That led to Urtuzuastegui’s first of three hits, a single to left field to score two runs and put the Demons up 2-0.  Jordan Nipp then singled up the middle to score Libadisos to make it 3-0.

In the fourth, Choate put down a perfect safety squeeze bunt that scored Libadisos, and Nipp once again singled up the middle to score Urtuzuastegui to make it 5-0.

The Demons opened the game up in the fifth inning when Jones led off with a solo home run and Urtuzuastegui blasted a two-run shot to make it 8-0.

UTA managed single runs in the sixth and eighth to spoil the shutout.

Saturday’s contest will consist of a doubleheader beginning at 2 due to a high chance of thunderstorms on Sunday.

Also on Saturday, members of the 1998 SLC championship team will reunite and be recognized prior to the first pitch.

Saturday is also Vic’s Kids Club Day with all kids treated to free snow-cones and an inflatable bouncer.