A three-run home run from senior Kyle Clement propelled No. 1 seed UL Lafayette to a 7-4 win against No. 8 seed Arkansas State on Wednesday night in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Baseball Championship at Bobcat Ballpark.

No. 1 seed UL Lafayette advances into the winner’s bracket and will take on No. 5 seed and host Texas State tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. CT. No. 8 seed Arkansas State faces an elimination game against No. 4 seed Troy at 12:30 p.m. CT tomorrow.

Arkansas State and UL Lafayette went into the bottom of the eighth inning tied at four. Junior Alex Pinero walked and junior Brad Antchak singled on a bunt to start the inning before Clement launched a three-run home run to right field. Clement’s third home run of the season put the Ragin’ Cajuns (38-19) up for good on Arkansas State (27-28).

Arkansas State batters struck out 20 times in the game with UL Lafayette starter, sophomore Gunner Leger, striking out 10 and senior Eric Carter striking out nine in relief. Carter earned the win after he tossed 3 2/3 innings of no-hit relief to close out the contest. Arkansas State junior Tyler Zuber (5-4) took the loss after he allowed two earned runs on three hits in an inning pitched.