Warhawks Invade Russo Park With Something to Play For

It's been four years since the ULM Warhawks have qualified to play in the Sun Belt Conference Baseball Tournament.

They're looking to change that this time around.

Last season, ULM fired head coach Bruce Peddie the day before the season ended and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns steamrolled through Warhawk Field with another series sweep.

New head coach Mike Federico has changed the culture at ULM.

The Warhawks (23-28, 10-17) are in town to close the regular season against Louisiana (30-23, 15-12) and they're hoping to stay longer than Saturday.

ULM currently sits ninth in the race to qualify for the conference tournament to be held next week at M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park.  The Warhawks sit 1/2 game ahead of Georgia State and one game ahead of Arkansas State.  The Warhawks hold the tiebreaker over the Red Wolves if it comes to that.  The top ten teams qualify for the tournament.

That gives ULM plenty to play for during the three game series, set for tonight and tomorrow at 6:00 pm and Saturday at 3:00 pm.  All three games can be heard on 96.5 KPEL-FM.

Thursday's pitching matchup will feature a pair of leftys as the Warhawks will start Trey Jeans (3-5, 5.38) and the Cajuns will counter with Colten Schmidt (7-0, 1.81).  On Friday, right hander Chase Beal (3-7, 6.00) faces off with Cajuns' LHP Hogan Harris (4-1, 2.33).  On Saturday, RHP Justin Olaughlin (2-2, 4.69) will be opposed by RHP Nick Lee (2-6, 4.68).

Johnny DeLaCruz leads the Warhawks' offense.  He's 7th in the league in hitting (.340), fourth in hits (66) and tied for second in doubles (17).  The Cajuns' Daniel Lahare is ninth in hitting (.326) and sixth in hits (63).  In league play the Cajuns' centerfielder has been even better, batting .358.

The seniors will be honored in ceremonies prior to Friday night's game, while the Cajuns' graduates will be presented with their diplomas before Saturday's contest.