One of the things that Louisiana Ragin Cajuns head coach Michael Lotief said heading into the regional that the first game of the Baton Rouge regional wasn’t going to be a gimme.
While the final score doesn’t show how competitive it was from both the Cajuns and McNeese State’s pitching staff for most of the game. Heading into the fourth, only Aleah Craighton recorded a hit.
Things changed in the bottom of the fourth when Corin Voinche hit one that just stayed fair down the left field line to get out in front with a 2-0 lead.
Haley Hayden was a big beneficiary in the bottom of the fifth of a two-run single which also saw a fielding error from Justyce McClain to advance to third base. Lexie Comeaux got her teammate home with a fielder’s choice, making it 5-0 after five complete.
Kelli Martinez put in the final nail in the sixth when she scored off of a wild pitch to clinch a 6-0 victory.
Alex Stewart got her 26th win of the season with a complete game no-hitter. The senior walked three and struck out six on the afternoon.
The Cajuns will now wait to take on the winner of LSU and Fairfield on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 12 pm.
Extra Bases:
Web Gem: Aleah Craighton’s has stepped up her game dating back to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. She showed how good she can be defensively when she robbed a home run from Morgan Catron.
Will Stewart Play vs LSU? While the Cajuns senior pitcher has been asking for the ball, you have to think that there’s some debate over whether or not starting her on Saturday. During her complete game win, she threw over 120 pitches on the afternoon. If she doesn’t start tomorrow, expect to see Alyssa Denham in the circle when the Cajuns play next.
-Clint Domingue