The South Alabama Jaguars lost the deciding game of their weekend baseball series against the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns by a score of 3-1 on March 15 at M.L. Tigue Moore Field in Lafayette, Louisiana.
The result leaves South Alabama with a record of 13-7 overall and 1-2 in Sun Belt Conference play, while Louisiana improves to 15-5 overall and 2-1 in conference games. The outcome was determined early, as both teams scored in the first inning before Louisiana added another run in the fifth to secure the win.
Jaguar shortstop Marc Stephens drove in Brennon Wright for South Alabama’s only run with an RBI single in the first inning. However, Louisiana responded immediately with two runs in their half of the first. The Cajuns extended their lead to 3-1 with an RBI single in the fifth inning.
Daniel Gonzalez started for South Alabama and allowed three earned runs over five innings, striking out seven but taking his first loss of the season. Jaxon Shineflew provided relief from the bullpen, pitching three shutout innings and extending his scoreless streak to 18.2 innings.
Head coach Mark Calvi said after the game: “I told the guys we competed all weekend, we just didn’t get it done in the batters box today. I told them not to lose their confidence. We got some guys that are scuffling right now that were hot early. Give their pitchers credit, they did a good job. We’ve faced some good arms, but arms that we need to beat to make a run this year. Keep it in perspective, there’s a long way to go and the worst thing you can do is lose confidence. You need to continue to work and show up, because this game wants you to quit. Hitting is the hardest thing to do in the world of sports, with or without confidence. My message was to not lose confidence. Keep showing up.”
Looking ahead, South Alabama will return home for a midweek matchup against Alabama on Tuesday night, March 17.
