Cajuns Win Mercy-Rule Game Over WKU

Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns opened up the 2008 Sun Belt Conference Tournament with a mercy-rule victory over Western Kentucky behind three-hits and five runs batted in by freshman Gabriele Bridges.

The Cajuns scored eight runs on seven hits including a three-hit performance by freshman Gabriele Bridges. Bridges finished the game 3-for-3 with a run scored and five runs batted in. Bridges collected a pair of singles and a double to lead all Cajuns.

Senior Holly Tankersley also finished the game with a pair of hits. The SBC Player of the Year finished the game with a double, a single and a pair of runs scored.

Melissa Verde finished the game 0-for-0, drawing three walks in her three plate appearances. She and Tankersley were the only two Cajuns to score two runs.

In the circle, Ashley Brignac recorded double-digit strikeouts for the 15th time this season. The conference Pitcher of the Year allowed just three hits to pick up her 11th shutout of the year. Five of the first six outs of the game came by way of strikeout.

The Ragin’ Cajuns will now play Florida International in the next round. The Cajuns and Golden Panthers will square off in the second round at 5:30 p.m.