Cockrell delivers big hit for Cajuns

[NewsCopy]

NATCHITOCHES - Sometimes, all it takes is a few hits. Or, one big one.

Micah Cockrell delivered a two-run homer for Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun baseball team in the second inning here Wednesday, and UL pitching and defense made that stand up in a 2-1 victory over Northwestern State.

The Cajuns (33-7), winning their fourth straight, only collected four hits in the contest with only one coming after the fourth inning. But it was enough for the 13th-ranked Cajuns to take their third win of the year over the 35th-ranked Demons (29-13) as well as snap NSU's 16-game home winning streak.

"We hit a lot of balls hard, but right at people," said Cajun coach Tony Robichaux. 'The ball wasn't carrying very well, but we were able to make some big pitches."

Cajun starter Jered Salazar (3-1) scattered five hits in five innings while fanning three, and allowed the Demons' lone run in the first inning. Thad Montgomery pitched in the sixth and Kraig Schambough came in the seventh to throw three shutout innings and pick up the save.

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[CajunProud]

Don't nail me to the cross for this post. I am just asking.

Why does Coach Robe refuse to use Ian Pecarerro (sorry if I misspelled his name)? When he pitched the other week he was hitting 91 and 93 on the gun. He pitched well for us last year and has experience. I know Salazar pitched well as did Montgomery. I just don't understand why Pecarerro is not being used. Is he hurt? It seems like he would be a perfect Sunday starter.

Like I said, just asking. I am perfectly happy with 33-7.

[Kernel]

While I can't speak with any authority, I would imagine Tony's reluctance to throw Ian stems from his control problems. While Ian does have excellent stuff, he can be wild. If there's one thing Tony can't stand, it's pitchers who don't throw strikes.

[CajunProud]

I agree, but how does he know if he is having control problems until he puts him in the game? I don't think he has had any control issues in his appearances so far this year (I could be wrong). Some guys may not throw well in practice or in the pen, but in the game they are lights out.

Whatever the reason, Coach Robe is doing a great job. Like I said earlier, just asking.

[BirdofParadise]

I think that those spots aren't won by "trying him out," they are won in practice.

Pecoraro, in addition to having had control problems in the past, also has another problem.

He doesn't have a change up. And, in this day and age, you have to have one.

It's the reason that Schambough is a reliever instead of a starter.

91 on the gun doesn't mean squat if you can't change speeds effectively.

As a result, Pecoraro is good, and I think will be used, as a 6th and 7th inning guy who bridges the game to the late inning people (Sham and Montgomery.)

Montgomery is a prime example of what can happen when you develop a change up. It's making all the difference in the world for him.

[CajunProud]

I think that those spots aren't won by "trying him out," they are won in practice.

Pecoraro, in addition to having had control problems in the past, also has another problem.

He doesn't have a change up. And, in this day and age, you have to have one.

It's the reason that Schambough is a reliever instead of a starter.

91 on the gun doesn't mean squat if you can't change speeds effectively.

As a result, Pecoraro is good, and I think will be used, as a 6th and 7th inning guy who bridges the game to the late inning people (Sham and Montgomery.)

Montgomery is a prime example of what can happen when you develop a change up. It's making all the difference in the world for him.

Understood.

What about using Pecoraro (or any other middle relief guy) for Ardoin and/or Faught say after the 6th inning in order to rest those guys for post season.

It seemed like last year, due to our lack of pitching depth, Ardoin's arm became tired at the end of the year. I know pitchers like to have complete games under their belts, but I would think we need to rest our 1 and 2 guys when we get a chance, especially since we have a lot of pitching depth this year.

[NOCajun]

It all comes down to pitch count. I believe Coach Robe lets his starters throw a certain number of pitches and that's it.

[BirdofParadise]

In Ardoin's case last week, he was allowed to throw more than normal because he was pitching a shutout.

The pitch count is much more important for Faught, coming off surgery.

Concerning the "six inning" post, that's exactly what Robe did with Faught last weekend.

but can you imagine this: Cajuns lead FIU 8-1 after six. Robe replaces Ardoin and the bullpen has a bad night.

How about the second guessing that would ensue then?

In conference play, you play to win. Every time. Period.

[NOCajun]

I was at the game last Friday and I doubt seriously if Ardoin threw more than 90 pitches. That's why Robe let him finish. That and the fact that he got plenty of rest between most innings.

[BirdofParadise]

126 pitches.

[Zeebart21]

I was at the game last Friday and I doubt seriously if Ardoin threw more than 90 pitches. That's why Robe let him finish. That and the fact that he got plenty of rest between most innings.

you better check your clicker...

there is a big dif between 90 and 126...

bring your abacus next time...



Z.

[RaisingCajun08]

bring your abacus next time...


Z.

Ma in Breaux Bridge we just take off our shoes. I have trouble counting past 21 though. :confused: