The Ragin’ Cajuns finally got to play a home game.
No. 8 Louisiana run-ruled visiting Eastern Illinois University, 9-0, to win its home opener at Lamson Park on Tuesday night and improve its season record to 5-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
After getting zero hits and only one base runner in the first two innings, the Ragin’ Cajuns opened up the game with a six-run third inning.
Bailey Curry led off with a single into left field and then Kaitlyn Alderink followed with a single up the middle which scored Jenna Kean who was pinch running for Curry.
Alissa Dalton then singled into right but Alderink was thrown out at home plate.
University of Georgia transfer Ciara Bryan then stepped into the box and lifted a pitch over the right-center field wall for a two-run homer.
The Ragin’ Cajuns kept on rolling.
After Jade Gortarez reached on a throwing error, Raina O’Neal singled to second base as Gortarez advanced to third base. After O’Neal stole second base, Melissa Mayeaux singled up the middle scoring Gortarez.
Justice Milz stepped to the plate and hit a single into left field which brought home two more runs.
The Ragin’ Cajuns would add three more in the bottom of the fouth. Bryan hit her second home run — a solo shot — and then pinch hitter Julie Rawls took a pitch over the bleachers in centerfield for a two-run home run.
Eastern Illinois got two hits in the first inning but managed only one more in the game as the visiting Panthers were shutout by starting pitcher Casey Dixon and Vanessa Foreman. Dixon picked up the win giving up only three hits and no runs.
BIG NUMBER: 12
The Ragin’ Cajuns recorded 12 hits in Tuesday night’s home opener with 10 different hitters getting hits.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Ciara Bryan
The University of Georgia transfer went 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs.
UP NEXT: Louisiana (5-0) will return to action Wednesday night when they host McNeese. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.