MONROE, La. – The ULM Warhawks (21-17, 5-3 Sun Belt) clinched the series over the Ragin' Cajuns (20-15, 3-5 Sun Belt) on Saturday (March 28), the first series claimed over the Cajuns in Monroe since 1997. The Warhawks scored five runs off six hits with no errors, while the Cajuns notched four runs off five hits, picking up four errors.
Both teams recorded a 1-2-3 inning in the opening frame, another three outs coming for the Cajuns in the top of the second. While a runner got on for ULM, three outs were captured to send a scoreless game to the third. A lead-off walk set up an RBI double by Mia Norwood, scoring the first run of the game. Another single plated the second run for the visitors, making it a 2-0 game in the middle of the third.
A single and back-to-back errors got three runners on base to open the bottom frame for ULM,
Meagan Brown launching a double to score two runners and tie the game.
Morgan Brown followed suit with a double to add to the tally, taking the 4-2 lead after three innings. A walk and a single got runners on for the Cajuns, as the visitors tacked on the third run of the game. The tying score came from a fielder's choice, leaving it a 4-4 ballgame heading to the bottom of the fourth.
Unable to find the game winner in the fourth, both teams headed to the fifth all knotted up. After holding the Cajuns without a score in the top frame,
Hollie Thomas singled to get on base,
Olivia Faggard's RBI double finding the leading score, 5-4.
Runners continued to land on base for the visitors in the sixth, but no one crossed home as the Warhawks maintained the lead. A walk and another fielding error for ULL placed two runners on for ULM, with an opportunity to extend the lead. But three outs kept the scoring at bay. A 1-2-3 inning closed out the game,
Ashanti McDade striking out the final batter to clinch the series.
Six different Warhawks claimed a hit, both
Meagan Brown and
Morgan Brown recording multi-RBI games.
Olivia Faggard registered a fifth double this season, also leading with 11 putouts at first base.
Ashanti McDade (3.2 IP) struck out two batters while allowing no walks and no runs to claim the win.
Skylar Waggoner (3.1 IP) also saw time in the circle.
ULM improves to 5-3 in conference play heading into the final game of the series. The Warhawks will complete the series against the Cajuns on Sunday, with first pitch slated for noon.
