Cajuns Steal One From Lamar, 3-2

Josh Logan’s bases-loaded squeeze bunt in the bottom of the ninth scored the game-winning run to give the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns a 3-2 comeback victory over the Lamar Cardinals.

Lamar (18-9) took a combined no-hitter into the seventh inning, until Matt Goulas broke it up with a pinch hit single. Louisiana (12-14) was held to its second-lowest hit (3) total this season.

Louisiana broke up Lamar’s no-hit bid with the first batter in the bottom of the seventh. Goulas laced a pinch hit single into left field on the first pitch he saw from Jordan Thibodeaux.

Josh Logan drew a lead-off walk in the first inning and later added back-to-back steals before scoring on a Matt Hicks RBI sacrifice bunt for a 1-0 Cajuns lead.

Lamar tied it at 1-1 in the top of the fourth. Chris Dunkin drove a lead-off double to right field and later moved to third on a Travis Dunson single through the left side. Jeff Vickers provided the equalizer, plating Dunkin with a RBI sacrifice fly to left.

The Cajun bats were held in check until the eighth inning,when the Cajuns were able regain a one-run lead, 2-1. Jordan Poirrier sent a towering fly ball to deep right field which permitted Brian Bowman to score the go-ahead run from third. However, Lamar answered back in the top of the ninth.

Justin Robichauxwas brought on in relief in the ninth, replacing senior Buddy Glass. Robichaux walked Dunson on four straight pitches before David Moore sent a screaming ball back to the pitcher, dropping Robichaux to the ground. Then, Poirrier threw the ball past Tyler Benzel at first which allowed the tying run to score, 2-2. Robichaux was taken out of the game and replaced by Bulliard who retired the next three Cardinal batters to end the inning.

Freshman Randall Bulliardnotched his first career victory on the hill, striking out two batters in one inning of perfect relief. Matt Broussard got the start for the Cajuns, allowing one run on four hits in six innings of work.

Louisiana continues its five-game week Wednesday when the Ragin’ Cajuns travel down Interstate 12 to play in-state rival Southeastern Louisiana at 6:30 p.m. in Hammond.