Jered Salazar has become the master of the mid-week gem for Louisiana's Ragin' Cajun baseball team, but his performance during the last month may put him into another role.
The senior right-hander befuddled the Southland Conference's top-hitting team Tuesday night, throwing a three-hitter through his seven innings in leading the Cajuns to a revenge 11-0 spanking of Southeastern Louisiana.
Salazar (6-1) won for the fourth straight week in a mid-week appearance, throwing only 75 pitches and facing only three more than the minimum number.
"We found a senior a role," said Cajun coach Tony Robichaux. "He's a big part of where we're at right now (42-11), and it's not an easy thing to do. If a starter turns over in mid-week you're in trouble because your bullpen's probably pretty spent from the previous weekend."
Having to go to the pen was never a thought Tuesday, as Salazar allowed only one batter to reach third base before Brandt Sanders and Kraig Schambough worked one inning each in the squad's first home shutout since February.
"The first half of the season I was kind of floating around," said Salazar. "I'm kind of settled into a role, and it's now something I can prepare for. It's a lot easier knowing when I'm gonna throw."
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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com