After dropping a tough game one 7-0, Loyola puts themselves in a solid position but falls short in game two 5-1
WESTWEGO, La. - Returning to their Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) schedule, the Loyola University New Orleans baseball team dropped games one and two with No. 15 Middle Georgia State Friday evening at Segnette Field.
In game one today the Wolf Pack (15-22, 1-13) bats had a difficult time stringing together enough hits to put anything in the run column, falling 7-0 to the Knights (27-11, 7-4). The visitors jumped on Loyola's pitchers, plating runs in the first through fifth innings. Freshman Lawrence Frishberg was able to come in at the end and hold Middle Georgia State to one run in his three innings of relief, striking out two.
Game two this evening was a tight one, with starter Jason Roussel tossing seven strong innings, only allowing one earned run and striking out five. After the Knights plated one in the second inning, Loyola was able to draw the game even in the bottom of the fifth. Charlie Seiter had one of his three hits on the day find grass in left-center field for a leadoff double, before Zachary Cook dropped a bunt that the third baseman over threw, allowing Seiter to score.
In the seventh and eighth innings however, Middle Georgia State took the lead 5-1, holding on for the game two win.
The Wolf Pack will take on the Knights in game three of the series tomorrow, March 31st at 1 p.m. at Segnette Field.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Doug Faust
"It's the same situation we've been in, self inflicted wounds, whether it be walks or errors, leading to big innings for the opposition and then not getting timely hits."
"The first game, I thought we swung the bats pretty well, but we didn't get a lot of hits to show for it. Then in the second game, we get 11 hits, but we only score one run because we don't get a hit with guys in scoring position. It's to the point where everybody's pressing, trying to be the guy to get it done, instead of just relaxing and playing and having fun and letting it happen."
"Jason Roussel pitched a great game. He's been good in every game in conference play, he's just not getting any help offensively. He gives us a chance to win every time he goes out there. Eventually we need to take advantage of that opportunity and win a game."
Pack Facts
Starter Jason Roussel put up another stellar performance against an SSAC foe, going seven innings, while allowing only four hits, one earned run and striking out five.
In 10 starts this season, the senior has yet to allow more than two earned runs in a game.
In his past three starts, all against conference opponents (No. 1 Faulkner, Bethel, No. 15 Middle Georgia State), Roussel has thrown 20.1 innings, struck out 11 batters and owns a 1.34 ERA.
Junior Charlie Seiter went 3-3 with one run scored, a double and one walk in game two today.
In game two, Payton Alexander went 3-4 at the plate, drawing one walk and stealing his third base of the season.
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.
