Jordan Meisner

Wildcats Fall Short in Opener 7-5

4/20/2018 9:47:00 PM

By: LC Sports Information - Brad Welborn

Box Score

In the final Friday night game at Billy Allgood Field for the 2018 season the Louisiana College baseball team could not overcome four LeTourneau University home runs in route to a 7-5 series opening victory. The two teams will finish the series on Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader beginning at 12pm with senior recognition between games.

The home run barrage began in the top of the first inning as the second batter in the LETU lineup hit a no-doubter over the right field wall. The Wildcats caught a break in the bottom of the inning after Brady Atkins set the stage with a leadoff double. He later scored on a dropped pop up by the shortstop that allowed tied the game at one after one inning of play.

The Wildcats took the lead in the bottom of the second on another no-doubt home run, this one from Deauton Delgado, putting LC ahead 2-1 on the opposite field solo shot. The lead only lasted until the top of the next inning. An RBI single to left tied the game then two batters later the bases were emptied on a 3-run home run to left putting LETU ahead 5-2.

In the bottom of the fourth another YellowJacket error led to another Wildcat run when Blaine Ouber reached on a wild throw to first. Delgado delivered his second homer of the game on a full count pitch that cut the lead down to one. Back-to-back hits later in the inning gave LC the chance to tie or take the lead. Sully Martin hit a deep fly ball to right that brought Zane Corbell in to knot the game at five after four innings.

Once again LETU would find an answer with the long ball. Back-to-back, 2-out home runs to right field by the three and four hitters put LeTourneau back on top 7-5. The Wildcats had base runners reach third in both the sixth and ninth innings, but both times were left standing there as the final out was recorded.

Trey Ducote suffered the loss for the Wildcats, allowing the two home runs in the fifth that put LETU on top, two of just the three hits he allowed. Caleb Nunez was excellent in relief as well, tossing 3.0 shutout frames allowing just one hit with four strikeouts. Deauton Delgado went 2-for-4 in the game with two home runs and three RBI while Brady Atkins was 3-for-5.

In the game senior center fielder Sully Martin became the Louisiana College all-time leader in at-bats. He passed assistant coach and LC Hall of Famer Matt Byrnes for the top spot on the list. Martin needs just four hits and five stolen bases to become the career record holder in both those categories as well.

The Wildcats and Lobos will finish their series with a doubleheader beginning at 12pm at Billy Allgood Field. LC baseball will recognize eight senior players between games as they play their final home contest at Louisiana College. Stay connected to Louisiana College baseball by following @LC_bsb on Twitter. For general athletics news follow @LC_Wildcats on Twitter or like Louisiana College Wildcats on Facebook.

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