Loyola claimed the win in game one 1-0 before falling in a close game two 2-1
WESTWEGO, La. - In a two game series with Louisiana State University-Alexandria the Loyola University New Orleans baseball team claimed a 1-0 victory before dropping game two 2-1 Friday night at Segnette Field.
Both games were defined by the pitching today, with Joseph Kuchler tossing three innings and allowing just one hit to start game one. In the fifth inning, Zachary Cook came in as a pinch-runner after Allen Dennis drew a walk, before Mick Dubic smacked a pinch-hit single to center field, bringing Cook across the plate for the only run of the game. Sophomore A.J. Smith relieved Gary Cavallo Jr. after throwing two innings in the top of the sixth, striking out two to earn his first save of the season and seal the victory for the Pack.
To lead off game number two, the visiting Generals jumped out to a 2-0 lead off of a fielder's choice and single in the first inning. The Wolf Pack pitching staff would settle back in however, only allowing two hits in the next six innings. In the bottom of the fourth, Loyola was able to jump on the board after Nathan Law drew a leadoff walk, stole second and reached home on a fielder's choice. The one run was all the Pack could collect however, falling 2-1 for their first loss of the season.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Doug Faust
"We played a really solid program, a good team in LSU-Alexandria. They're used to winning and finding ways to go deep into the season, win conference championships and play in regionals. It was a good night for us to get a chance to win two games. We won the first, but we had a legitimate chance to win both, it's a step in the right direction for the team."
"I thought our pitching was good all night and the defense was good all night as well. The more at-bats we get and the more times we get to see a lot of pitchers, the better we'll be offensively. We have guys that can hit, and they're going to hit eventually. It might take a little bit, with the rain and weather not helping us either, not getting consistent reps in. So all in all it was a good night for us."
Pack Facts
You can keep up with the Pack this season by following Wolf Pack Athletics on Facebook at Facebook.com/LoyolaWolfPack, Twitter and Instagram @LoyolaWolfPack, and by checking out our website at LoyolaWolfPack.com.
