Baseball: Louisiana Falls to LSU, 11-2

Breaux and Roccaforte continue solid offensive start to the year

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana dropped its first home game of the season on Wednesday night, falling to in-state rival Louisiana State, 11-2, at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field at Russo Park. 

With the bases loaded, no outs and the game within reach in the bottom of the eighth inning, Drake Osborn roped a line-drive straight back to LSU pitcher Devin Fontenot, which then turned into a 1-3 double play and spoiled Louisiana’s best chance at cracking into the Tigers’ 6-2 lead. 

Brennan Breaux and Carson Roccaforte were two bright spots for Louisiana offensively. Breaux hit a no-doubter home run in the third inning, his first bomb since May 11, 2019, while Roccaforte roped a single to right field with the bases loaded in the eighth inning to plate the team’s other run. 

Wednesday’s starting pitcher Connor Cooke (0-2) was effective, tossing 3.0 innings, giving up one earned run and striking out four batters. Jason Nelson showed potential on the mound in his second appearance as a Ragin’ Cajun, twirling 2.0 innings and fanning two batters, while Brandon Talley continued to prove why he’s a premier arm out of Louisiana’s bullpen, tossing another scoreless frame. 

LSU had two big innings in the ball game, which ultimately won them the game. The Tigers put up three unearned runs in the third inning and scored five in the top of the ninth. 

Will Hellmers (1-0) was credited with the win after throwing 2.0 innings with zero hits, zero walks and two strikeouts. 

Louisiana will welcome Rice for a three-game weekend series on Feb. 26-28 at Russo Park. Friday’s contest will start at 6:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday’s game will begin at 1:00 p.m.