Ferguson, Red Wolves end Cajuns’ post-season hopes, 3-0

Andy Ferguson threw a four hit shutout and Arkansas State ended any hopes of Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns making a trip to the postseason, 3-0 in Monroe, LA in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament.

Ferguson (7-4) allowed only one runner to third base and struck out 11 in pitching a complete game as ASU (26-31-1) remained alive, at least for the time being, for a berth in the championship game.

ASU got its first run in the fifth inning on a one out triple by Michael Faulkner, who then scored on a wild pitch by T. J. Geith (6-5) to give the Red Wolves a 1-0 lead.  A run-scoring double by Zach George down the line in left field scored Todd Baumgartner from first base on a 3-2 pitch with two out to make it 2-0.  The Red Wolves got an unearned run in seventh on a single, walk, error and another walk.

Meanwhile, the Cajuns (31-26) only threatened a couple of times in the game.  Louisianaa got a leadoff single by Ryan Leonards in the fourth inning.  Leonards stole second and with two out, Jordan Poirrier walked.  But both runners were stranded when Lance Marvel lined out to shortstop.

In the sixth, Leonards drew a one out walk, advanced to second on a Greg Fontenot single and went to third on Mike Petello's fly ball.  But Poirrier grounded to second to end the threat.

Those would be the last baserunners Ferguson would allow as he set down the last eleven men in order.

Cajuns head coach Tony Robichaux missed the game after being suspended by the conference office following an ejection yesterday against South Alabama.  Robichaux was not allowed within one mile of Warhawk Field and was not allowed to communicate through phone or text message.

The Cajuns will close their season tomorrow night against FIU at 7pm.  FIU can clinch a berth in the finals by beating South Alabama today.  ASU needs a South Alabama win over FIU, a win tomorrow over South Alabama and a Louisiana win over FIU in order to meet instate rival UALR for the championship.

The UL-FIU game can be heard on espn1420 beginning at 6:30 tomorrow night.