The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns used a strong third inning, scoring three runs, and an excellent bullpen performance to hold on and defeat the James Madison Dukes 5-4 on Thursday in the opener of this three-game series.
Both teams entered this matchup struggling, having lost six of their previous eight games.
Louisiana were first to strike in the opening inning when Lee Amedee hit a solo home run. James Madison responded in the bottom half of the inning when Clay Thompson hit a home run himself to even it up at one.
Both teams went scoreless in the second, but Louisiana was able to break through in the third. After a walk and multiple singles loaded the bases, Steven Spalitta delivered a three-run double as Amedee, Rigoberto Hernandez, and Colt Brown crossed home plate to give Louisiana a 4-1 lead.
Donovan LaSalle hit a solo home run in the fourth inning for Louisiana to push the margin to 5-1.
James Madison got back in the game in the bottom of the fourth as they were able to score on a hit by a pitch that allowed a walk-in by Ryan Gocio, another walk-in by Wyatt Campbell, and then a fielder’s choice where Thompson scored the run. Those plays brought the score to 5-4 with Louisiana still in front. Those would be the last runs of the game for either team, as from there it was a pitching and defensive game.
Louisiana weren’t in many positions to score over the last five innings, recording only four hits in that time span. James Madison had chances to put runs on the board, as they had multiple runners on bases on several occasions, including the seventh inning when bases were loaded with two outs, but couldn’t capitalize.
The pitchers for Louisiana were able to do a great job limiting opportunities for runs throughout the game, as they all combined for 10 strikeouts, with Cody Brasch recording six of them after entering in the eighth inning to secure the win.
Louisiana was led by Amedee and Spalitta on the night as the two combined for six of the team’s nine hits. Spalitta also had three RBIs, which puts his season total up to 18, now leading the Ragin’ Cajuns on the season.
James Madison recorded seven hits themselves, and were led by Thompson as he had a home run and two RBIs.
The explosive third inning was the catalyst for Louisiana in this one, and the defense finished the job. “We got off to a good start offensively, and then our defense was really good,” Louisiana coach Matt Deggs said. “I thought our bullpen was outstanding tonight. That’s what wins games like this.”
Louisiana picked up a big road win to start the series, especially when considering that James Madison has been a stellar home team this season. This was the first time Louisiana ever won a game on James Madison’s home field. The only times they played in Harrisonburg were back in 2023, and they were swept in that series.
Louisiana improves to 19-11 and 4-6 against the Sun Belt. James Madison falls to 13-15 and 4-6. Game two of this series continues Friday with the first pitch slated for 4 p.m. ET.
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