If the end of the first Sun Belt Conference series for the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns (11-6, 2-1 Sun Belt) is any indication, it should be a fun rest of the season for the fans.
Heading into the bottom of the ninth, the Cajuns and App State (9-11, 1-2 Sun Belt) were tied at three runs apiece. Kennon Fontenot led off the Cajuns and was 0-2 as he headed to the plate. With a full count, Fontenot hit one to left center field that at first glance looked to be caught by the centerfielder. However, the umpire declared that he had not caught the ball and he was able to reach second base to put the Cajuns in scoring position.
“That fourth umpire came out to help us today whether he made the right call or not. Having that fourth umpire costs us extra money, but having him out there and at least get all the way to it helps.” Tony Robichaux said of having a fourth man on the field being a key factor in the 9th. “You wouldn’t have had that with a three-man crew. That’s what’s good about that fourth umpire.”
The Cajuns put in their fastest guy in Jam Williams to pinch run for Fontenot to set up the suicide squeeze. Brenn Conrad would get the sac bunt down to advance Williams to third, leaving 90 feet between him and a Cajuns victory.
The next batter that came up was catcher Handsome Monica, who has never been put into a squeeze situation in his career. “I was a bit nervous, not gonna lie.” Monica said of the play.
He may have been nervous Robichaux said that he had confidence that he could do it. “I went to the on-deck circle and said ‘This could present itself as a squeeze. How confident do you feel getting the squeeze down?’ he said ‘I can get it down.’”
He was able to get it down and get the game winner to take down App State 4-3 to take the weekend series.
Evan Guillory got his first win of the season with four shutout innings. The junior did not allow a hit and struck out seven of the 12 batters he faced in relief.
The Cajuns will return to action on Tuesday when they host the Houston Cougars (12-5) with first pitch set for 6 pm.
-Clint Domingue