Austin Robichaux gave up a triple to the first batter he faced.

South Alabama didn't know they'd only get three hits the rest of the way.

Robichaux threw a four hit complete game as Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns moved to the winners' bracket final with a 9-2 win over South Alabama in a winner's bracket game at M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field.  The Cajuns (40-17) now need just one more win to advance to the championship game on Sunday.  USA (41--17) will now meet FIU in an elimination game later Friday.  The winner will have to beat the Cajuns twice to reach the final.

Robichaux (8-2) gave up a leadoff triple to Jeff DeBileux to lead off the game and the Jags' center fielder scored on a Bud Collura sacrifice fly to get USA on the board.  But the Cajuns got the run right back on Dex Kjerstad's leadoff homer in the bottom of the inning off USA starter Matt Bell (6-1).   Seth Harrison drew a two out walk and was singled to third by Tyler Girouard.  Harrison scored as Girouard was thrown out trying to steal and the Cajuns had the lead they would never relinquish.

The Cajuns chased Bell in the third when Jace Conrad was hit by a pitch and Girouard walked.  Jamie Dennis relieved Bell and Caleb Adams greeted him with a three run homer to give the Cajuns a 5-1 lead.  Louisiana put the game away in the eighth with four more runs as Kjerstad doubled home a run with one out.  Conrad then greeted reliever Kyle Bartsch with a sharp single to score two more to make the order 8-1.  The ninth run scored on an error.

Robichaux meanwhile, settled down after the first inning triple, allowing a leadoff single to Drew Cofield in the third and a two out single to Nolan Earley in the fourth.  After hitting Cofield with a pitch in the fifth, the sophomore right hander retired 12 straight before Jordan Patterson reached on an error with one out and scored on Dustin Dalken's two out single.  Robichaux then got Robby Campbell to foul out to end the 102 pitch masterpiece.  Robichaux did not walk a batter and struck out five,including DeBileux three times after that leadoff triple.

The win was the 40th of the season, marking the first time the Cajuns have won 40 games since 2007.  The Cajuns had 12 hits in the game, marking the 35th time they've had double digit hits in a game.  The Cajuns have a record of 32-3 when marking ten hits or more.

Earlier today, FAU completed their suspended game with a 3-1, 10 inning win over Troy.  The Owls now advance to Saturday, while Troy meets Arkansas State, with the loser being eliminated.

More From 103.3 The GOAT