Cajuns Rally Past Southeastern

Tony Robichaux talks about crooked numbers all the time. He preaches the importance of staying away from them when you’re on the mound and just how devastating they can be to the opponent when your offense produces them.

Sunday’s game was a reminder that when Robe speaks everyone should listen as the Cajuns came from behind to beat Southeastern 5-4.

Southeastern jumped on freshman starter Nick Lee, scoring two runs in the bottom half of the first inning. But as has been the case for most of the season, Lee settled down and did not allow another Lion run until the fifth inning.

Lee tossed five innings, giving up three runs on seven hits while fanning five. But most importantly he kept his team in the ball game until the Cajun lineup could break out.

In the sixth, Louisiana’s third time seeing Southeastern starter Domenick Carlini the Cajuns were finally able to break through. The Louisiana offense had been held in check until that point, despite stinging the ball several time, the Cajuns had only two hits through the first five innings of play.

A lead off single by Brian Mills and double by Joe Robbins put runners at second and third for Kyle Clement. Clement then took a 0-2 pitch back up the box, singling home Mills.

The third straight Cajun hit put an end to Carlini’s day. Southeastern skipper Matt Riser turned to righty Pat Cashman with the hopes of limiting the Cajun damage.

The new SLU arm however did not faze the Cajun hitters. Stefan Trosclair knocked an RBI single to center allowing Robbins to score. Brad Antchak followed with a RBI ground out, tying the game 3-3. Brenn Conrad then smacked an RBI double to right center, to give Louisiana a 4-3 lead.

Cashman then walked Steven Sensley forcing Riser to call on his pen again.

Cajun catcher Nick Thurman promptly greeted new Lion pitcher Kade Granier with an RBI double down the left field, scoring Conrad and giving UL a 5-3 lead. Granier then induced a Derrick Herrington ground and Brian Mills strike out to end the inning.

In the sixth, Louisiana sent ten men to the plate, scoring five runs on six hits.

Southeastern would get one run back in the seventh thanks to a sacrifice fly Drew Avans but nothing more off of Cajun closer Dylan Moore. Moore earned his ninth save of the year after taking over for Eric Carter in the seventh inning.

With the win, Louisiana improves to 24-12 overall.

The come from behind victory caps gives Louisiana a series win over a very good Southeastern team. Sunday's victory which capped a 3-1 week for the Cajuns will go a long way to aid UL's RPI standing.

Next up the Cajuns will begin a five game home stand by hosting Nicholls State on Tuesday.