The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns finished an important series sweep of the Texas State Bobcats with an 8-3 win on Sunday at Russo Park. The Cajuns’ pitching got out of some key jams and the offense took advantage of plenty of free passes in the sweep-clinching victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns turned to right-hander Jake Hammond on the mound to start in the series finale. Hammond did not look particularly comfortable, and he gave up an RBI double to Daylan Pena in the top of the first. Hammond was pulled in favor of left-hander Steven Cash, who gave up two runs in his first inning of work. That gave Texas State an early 3-0 lead.
The Cajuns got a run back in the bottom of the second off of a Texas State error. However, the Cajuns had a chance for more, but ended the inning stranding a couple runners in scoring position.
Louisiana pitching struggled to find the zone on Sunday, issuing __ walks on the day. However, Texas State was unable to capitalize on many of their opportunities, specifically in the fifth inning where they left the bases loaded. That allowed the Cajuns to stay in this game.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, things fell apart for Texas State pitching. The Cajuns had just a runner on first with two outs in the inning. A single and a walk loaded the bases and ended the day for Bobcat starter Tony Robie. Tristan Dixon came in out of the bullpen and did not retire a batter, hitting one and walking two. Each of those brought home a run, giving Louisiana a 4-3 lead. That led Texas State to go to the bullpen once more, this time opting for left-hander Jack Stroud. Will Veillon drove in a run on an infield single and CJ Willis doubled home a pair. When the dust settled on the fifth, the Cajuns had scored six runs with two outs in the inning and took a 7-3 lead.
Louisiana would ass an insurance run in the bottom of the seventh, making it 8-3. The Cajuns’ bullpen was able to get out of some jams and pitch effectively the rest of the way. Jerry Couch, Blake Marshall, JT Etheridge, and Cooper Rawls all pitched without allowing a run down the stretch. Rawls pitched the final two innings to close the door on an 8-3 win to complete the sweep.
BIG NUMBER: 16
Each team walked eight batters in this game, making the total sixteen between the two teams. The free passes were more costly for the Bobcats, as they walked in several runs in the loss.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: CJ Willis
CJ Willis led the way offensively, going 3-4 with 3 RBI in the victory. Willis’ big two-run double helped to break things open for the Cajuns.
UP NEXT: The Cajuns will not have a midweek game, and will begin the final regular season series of the year on Thursday, May 18th in Hattiesburg against the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss.
