Blue Raiders drop 4-3 decision to Louisiana

LAFAYETTE, La. - The Blue Raiders grabbed an early lead on Saturday evening, but a sixth inning three-run homer by Louisiana proved to be the difference as the Middle Tennessee baseball team fell to the Ragin' Cajuns 4-3 at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field in Lafayette, La.

The Blue Raiders were once again the recipient of a solid pitching performance, this time by Hunter Adkins. The sophomore held the Ragin' Cajuns scoreless prior to giving up the three run home run in the sixth. Adkins went six innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs while striking out four.

"It was an exciting game, just like last night," head coach Steve Peterson said. "Hunter pitched a solid game for us, but Jordan Nicholson was staying ahead and locating his fastball for them. You have to give him credit."

Middle Tennessee also played solid defense, converting on three double plays.

On offense the Blue Raiders were led by Justin Guidry. The junior ended the day 2-for-4 with a ninth-inning solo blast to right.

Will Skinner went 2-for-4 as well with a run scored.

Middle Tennessee jumped out to an early lead, posting a pair of runs in the top of the second. Skinner led off with a double down the left field line and advanced to third on a single by Hank LaRue. Trent Miller brought in the first score with a double off the left field wall, and Ryan Ford grounded out to bring home LaRue.

LaRue finished 1-for-4 with a run scored. Miller ended 1-for-3 with a run batted in and Ford was 0-for-3 with an RBI as well.

However, Middle Tennessee couldn't add to their tally over the next four frames, and Louisiana grabbed the lead with a Matt Goulas three-run homer to left. The Ragin' Cajuns tacked on another an inning later.

Guidry's home run set up a dramatic top of ninth, but Middle Tennessee was unable to find the equalizer, stranding the tying run on second and setting up Sunday's rubber match.

Middle Tennessee and Louisiana will decide the series at 1 p.m. on Sunday at "Tigue" Moore Field. Eric Gilley is slated to start for the Blue Raiders.

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