HONOLULU - No. 21 Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns remain perfect following Thursday’s 4-2 victory over Sacramento State.
Louisiana (13-0) has tied the school record for the best start in school history with the 1994 squad. UL will attempt to extend the streak to 14 on Friday against UC Davis at 6:30pm (CT).
Starter Jonathan Cottrell gave up eight hits but was very effective, allowing just two earned runs before exiting during the sixth. Hunter Moody (1-0) was credited with his first victory and coming in to pitch two and one-third innings, allowing only one hit. Kraig Schambough notched the final four outs for his first save of the season.
The Cajuns fell behind 2-0 early but used some fireworks to come back in the bottom of the fifth.
Jameson Parker started the inning on second base after a two-base throwing error by the shortstop. John Coker squared to sacrifice but pulled back his bat. The high outside pitch was ruled a ball by the home plate umpire, but overruled by the first base umpire who was standing between first and second base. Head coach Tony Robichaux came out to question the call and was promptly ejected. Coker struck out, but then Josh Landry, Justin Merendino and John McCarthy all singled.
Merendino’s single to left scored Parker, while McCarthy’s single up the middle plated Landry to tie the game at 2-2. Jeffries Tatford grounded out to leave two more Cajuns on base, making it seven through five innings.
Cottrell put the first two batters on in the sixth, but after getting the next batter, gave way to Moody. Moody put down the next two batters to subdue the Hornets.