UL – After scattering three hits during a shutout loss in game one, Louisiana’s bats came alive in game two, but the Arkansas State Indians rallied from a four-run deficit in the second contest to complete a doubleheader sweep Saturday at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field.

Louisiana (4-8, 0-2 Sun Belt) was swept in a Sun Belt Conference doubleheader for the first time since May 15, 2004, when the Cajuns were swept by, ironically, Arkansas State (7-4, 2-0 Sun Belt). The twin bill sweep also marked the first time the Cajuns have lost the first two games of a conference-opening series at home since March 28, 1982, against Lamar (also a doubleheader).

Arkansas State’s Chase Ware (2-0) became the second pitcher in five games to throw a complete-game shutout against the Ragin’ Cajuns, as the Indians took the first game by a 3-0 final count. Ware scattered three hits, while striking out six batters on 109 total pitchers.

For the second consecutive start, Danny Farquhar (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) struggled on the mound as the junior was victimized for three runs – one earned – on six hits in eight innings. Farquhar (1-2) walked one batter with eight strikeouts.

Louisiana freshman left fielder Matt Goulas (New Iberia, La.) recorded two of the Cajuns’ three hits, going 2-for-4. Nolan Gisclair (Marrero, La.) had the other Louisiana hit, finishing 1-for-3.

Arkansas State’s offensive rattled Farquhar in the top of the second as the Indians took the game’s first lead, 1-0. Brown and Murray Watts led off the second inning with back-to-back singles.

After a Farquhar’s failed pick off attempt allowed Brown to advance to third, Drew Benes’ RBI sacrifice fly plated Brown for the 1-0 lead.

Louisiana squandered a prime opportunity to potentially take its first lead of the game as the Ragin’ Cajuns loaded the bases in the third inning. With two outs, Josh Logan (Magee, Miss.) reached on walk and later moved to second on a Goulas single to centerfield.

A Justin Robichaux (Crowley, La.) walk loaded the bases for Matt Hicks (Houston, Texas) who grounded out to third base, effectively ending the threat.

The Indians extended their lead to three runs, 3-0, thanks to a two-run home run from Ryan Hudgins in the fifth inning. With one out, Derrick Coleman reached on a Cy Primeaux (Lafayette, La.) fielding error. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Hudgins later plated Coleman with a two-run blast over the left field wall.

From there, Ware retired 19 of the last 21 Cajuns batters he faced to seal the victory in game one.

RaginCajuns.com

Chris Yandle


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