CONWAY, Ark. _ Lamar right hander Blake Ford held the University of Central Arkansas Bears to two hits through seven innings, leading the Cardinals to a 7-1 victory in Southland Conference action Friday night at Bear Stadium.

Ford (3-1) allowed just one run and struck out seven for the Cardinals (15-6, 4-0). The Bears (8-10, 0-4) finished the game with just two hits.

Lamar took a 3-0 lead in the third inning on a three-run triple by right fielder Jeff Apt. The Bears got their lone run on a two-out, solo home run by first baseman Jonathan Houston in the fourth. UCA’s only other hit was a triple to right center by freshman second baseman Jonathan Davis in the sixth inning.

Ford, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior, exited in the seventh and Machon Trimm allowed no hits over the final two innings. He retired the Bears on three consecutive fly balls in the ninth inning.

Lamar shortstop Aaron Buchanan went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, while first baseman Wade Mathis and left fielder Kevin Roebuck had two hits apiece. UCA used seven pitchers, with starter Evan Cox (1-3) taking the loss. Cox allowed five hits and five earned runs in four innings.

Game 2 of the series is set for 4 p.m. Saturday.