The visitors pitching staff kept the Wolf Pack bats quiet, with Loyola managing just five runs between today's doubleheader
WESTWEGO, La. – In their 2019 home conference opening series, the Loyola University New Orleans baseball team fell in game one to Bethel 7-1, before dropping the second game 11-4 Friday night at Segnette Field.
The visiting Wildcats (11-8, 2-3 SSAC) jumped on the Wolf Pack (11-11, 0-5) early in game one, taking a 4-0 lead after the first two innings. In the bottom of the third, however, Cole Nalesnik led off with a single to left field, before Charlie Seiter took his place at first base as a pinch runner. Two batters later, Nathan Law smacked a double to left-center field with a groundout in the next at-bat allowing Seiter to score. That would be the lone run for Loyola, as they dropped the first game of the day 7-1.
Bethel was first to score in the second game yet again, jumping out in front 9-0 after three innings of play. In the bottom of the eighth, however, the Pack began a late rally with the first four batters all reaching base on singles. A two-out double by Luke LaCoste drove in the fourth run of the inning for Loyola, as they headed to the final frame trailing by five.
The Pack were unable to plate any more in the ninth inning, falling by a final tally of 11-4.
Loyola will look to take game three of the series tomorrow afternoon, March 9 at 1 p.m. at Segnette Field.
Wolf Pack Head Coach Doug Faust
"We got beaten in every facet of the game today. They pitched better than us, they hit better than us, and played defense better than us. They're traditionally one of the stronger teams in our league, consistently. We knew we had to play well to beat them, and we didn't play well enough tonight."
"Tomorrow is another day. Like I told the guys, today should have no effect on tomorrow, it'll be top of the first inning, 0-0 again. We're going to try to find a way to get one win in the series, but we have to get better in all facets of the game, we can't let them beat us like they did today."
Pack Facts
Luke LaCoste got the start at center field in each game today and went a combined 5-7 at the plate, with a double, one RBI, a walk and a stolen base.
Michael Toscano came on in relief in game two and pitched 3.2 innings of no-run ball while striking out three.
The sophomore utility man now has four-straight pitching appearances without letting up a single run, and has gone 10.2 innings, allowing just seven hits while striking out 14.
Getting the start at designated hitter in the second game of the day, Jesse Jordan extended his hitting streak to nine games.
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.
