PRESS RELEASE
LAFAYETTE, La. – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team is set to close out the 2018 regular season with a three-game conference series against ULM at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park starting Thursday at 6 p.m.
Game two of the series between the Ragin’ Cajuns and Warhawks is slated for Friday at 6 p.m., while first pitch of the series finale will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The Cajuns will honor the 2018 senior class with Senior Day on Friday including a pregame ceremony. On Saturday, a special on-field graduation ceremony will take place prior to the final game of the series.
Louisiana enters the series a half game in front of Little Rock and two games in front of Texas State for the Sun Belt Conference West Division lead.
Jersey Auctions
For those fans who were unable to take part in the live jersey auctions during the Coastal Carolina series, the Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team will be auctioning off the cream colored jerseys from the 2014 season this week at Russo Park. Silent auctions will be held during the games on Thursday and Saturday, while the featured jerseys will be available via a live auction after the game on Friday.
Where to Listen/Watch
Fans can listen to all three games on News Talk 96.5 KPEL-FM with Jay Walker and Brad Topham on the call Thursday and Friday, while Scott Prather will join Topham on Saturday.
The games will also be streamed for free on the Ragin’ Cajuns Digital Network with Dan McDonald calling the action. Both the Friday and Saturday broadcasts will start early to allow fans unable to attend the contests the ability to watch the Senior Day and Graduation ceremonies. Live stats are available on RaginCajuns.com.
The Series
Louisiana holds an 88-52 lead in the all-time series with ULM. The Ragin’ Cajuns have won 22 straight meetings against the Warhawks sweeping the series in Monroe last year. The Cajuns have won the last nine meetings at Russo Park.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are 48-18 against ULM under head coach Tony Robichaux including an 18-10 mark at home.
Scouting Louisiana
Louisiana (30-23, 15-12 SBC) picked up a 7-6 victory over Tulane in the midweek. The Ragin’ Cajuns are 15-10 at home this season including a 10-4 mark during the second half of the season.
Junior Daniel Lahare is riding a team-best 14-game hit streak going 26-for-61 (.426) at the plate with seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, six RBI and 21 runs scored during the streak.
Sophomore Todd Lott has notched a home run in three of his last five plate appearances with a pair of home runs in the win over the Green Wave.
Scouting ULM
ULM (23-28, 10-17 SBC) comes into the series having defeated McNeese 10-7 in a midweek game in Lake Charles, La. The Warhawks were swept at home over the weekend by Troy. ULM is 7-18 on the road this season including a 2-10 mark in league action.
The Warhawks are hitting .249 as a team with 73 doubles, eight triples and 36 home runs while averaging 5.8 runs per game. Newcomer Johnny DeLaCruz paces the offense with a .333 average, 17 doubles, two home runs and 24 RBI. Chad Bell has a team-best seven home runs and 37 RBI.
On the mound, ULM is ranked 12th in the Sun Belt with a 6.13 ERA. The Warhawks are averaging 4.4 free passes per game while opponents are hitting .283 against them.
Up Next
Louisiana will host the 2018 Sun Belt Conference Tournament from May 22-27 at Russo Park. The tournament bracket will be announced this weekend. Tickets are available for the tournament on RaginCajuns.com.
For the latest updates on Ragin’ Cajuns baseball, follow Ragin’ Cajuns baseball on Facebook (RaginCajunsBaseball), Twitter (@RaginCajunsBSB) and Instagram (@RaginCajunsBSB) or check RaginCajuns.com.