The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns got an excellent pitching performance from Jackson Nezuh, and a balanced offensive approach that netted seven runs in a 7-3 win over Texas State on Friday night at Russo Park. The win helps Louisiana in a crowded Sun Belt as the regular season is nearing its end.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Cajuns turned to right-hander Jackson Nezuh, who has recently emerged as one of the more reliable options on the mound. The Florida State transfer was excellent early on, cruising through the first inning in this one.
The Louisiana offense got things going right away against Texas State starter Levi Wells in the bottom of the first. Max Marusak led off with a double. He was then bunted to third by Kyle Debarge and driven home by Heath Hood on an RBI groundout. Wells, a 2022 All-Sun Belt First Team selection, settled in and put up zeroes in the second and third innings. However, the Cajuns once again manufactured a single run in the fourth, this time being on a Carson Roccaforte RBI single that extended the lead to 2-0.
The Cajuns’ offense finally broke the game open in the sixth inning. They got three in the frame, capped off by a two-run triple from Julian Brock to make it 5-0.
Jackson Nezuh was outstanding for Louisiana in this outing. He went through the first four and a third innings without allowing a baserunner. The only blemish on his outing came in the seventh, when Peyton Lewis doubled home two runs to cut the lead to 5-2. Nezuh went seven innings, allowing just four hits and two runs.
Louisiana got an insurance run in the seventh inning before Texas State finally went to the bullpen. Wells did not have his best outing, giving up six runs over six and one third innings.
Cooper Rawls came on to relieve Nezuh in the top of the eighth inning. He worked a quick eighth and then was given an insurance run when Roccaforte added a solo homer in the bottom half. Rawls did give up a run in the top of the ninth, but he was able to close it out and give the Cajuns a 7-3 win in the series opener.
BIG NUMBER: 7
Jackson Nezuh’s seven innings were crucial to the Cajuns. Not only was he effective, but he also gave them length in what figures to be an offensive series the rest of the way.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Jackson Nezuh
Jackson Nezuh gave the Cajuns an incredible outing against one of the Sun Belt’s top offenses. He went seven strong innings and helped out the bullpen in the first of this three-game set.
UP NEXT: Game two of the series between the Cajuns and the Bobcats will be tomorrow, May 13th, at 4:00 P.M.