Cajuns Late Surge Leads To Victory Over Cowboys

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns (31-4) were facing unfamiliar territory Wednesday night. For the first time on the season, they were coming off a midweek loss.

After Tuesday night's surprise loss to UNO, Ragin' Cajun head coach Tony Robichaux immediately challenged his players.

"You can't pick and choose the games you lose in your season but you can pick and choose how you respond," he said.

The response? Compete. Trailing 8-7 after the 7th inning in Lake Charles Wednesday night, Louisiana's bats closed out the game with a fury, helping the top ranked Cajuns top McNeese State 13-8.

Hitting proved to be the key, as the Cajuns beat the Cowboys in that department 13-9. Ryan Leonards led the way with 3, while Jace Conrad, Seth Harrison, and Blake Trahan each had 2.

Harrison has now reached base in 21 straight games, while Conrad increased his hitting streak to 19 straight games. The school record for consecutive games with a hit is 23 (Chris Webb).

"I give credit to our hitters for staying the course tonight," said Robichaux, "We had trouble getting a hit in the critical moments of the game last night, but tonight we were able to correct that and it wound up being the difference in the ballgame."

Wednesday night also marked the return of UL ace Greg Milhorn. Originally the Sunday starter, Milhorn has missed the last month with an oblique injury. He looked comfortable on the mound in Wednesday's win, giving Louisiana 3 solid innings out of the pen, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits. He earned the win, making him 3-1 on the season.

Next up for Louisiana, a three-game conference weekend series at home against UALR. Friday and Saturday's game are set for 6:00, with Sunday's game slated for 1:00. Saturday night's game is "Blue Jeans and BBQ Night," sponsored by 97.3 The Dawg and Townsquare Media. Break out your blue jeans for the game and enjoy the concessions stands as they'll be serving barbecue. DJs from the Dawg will host some great contests on the field before, during, and after the game.

Catch all the weekend action on News Talk 96.5 KPEL, your weekend home for Ragin' Cajun baseball. Jay Walker has the call.