LAFAYETTE – A banner day for Bailey Curry carried 10th-ranked Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Softball to an 8-0 (5 inn.) win over Troy Sunday afternoon at Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park, completing the series sweep of the visiting Trojans.
Curry single-handedly produced the bulk of the offense for Louisiana (23-3, 6-0 Sun Belt) with a two-run double in the first inning, sacrifice fly in the third inning and a walk-off, two-run home run in the fifth inning.
Summer Ellyson need only 64 pitches to collect her 17th victory over the season. For the second straight weekend in SBC play, she recorded all three of Louisiana’s wins.
The Ragin’ Cajuns extended their winning streak to eight games and moved to 15-0 on their home field.
LEADING THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
Curry’s production resulted in a game-high five RBI for the Toledo transfer. All three of her plate appearances generated at least one RBI.
Lexie Comeaux also doubled and homered in the contest, joining Curry in spearheading Louisiana’s team total of six extra base hits. Comeaux finished 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI coming on her home run in the fourth inning which increased the lead to 5-0.
Kara Gremillion was responsible for the other RBI when she began the fifth inning with a leadoff home run. It was her second home run of the week (first of the season at Nicholls on Wednesday).
Julie Rawls scored both times she reached base to join Gremillion in leading Louisiana with two runs scored. Keeli Milligan added two more stolen bases to her season total (now 34-for-35).
Alissa Dalton delivered five assists from shortstop as the defense support Ellyson with 10 total.
Ellyson posted her third shutout effort of the week (out of five appearances). In the series she limited Troy (18-12, 2-4 Sun Belt) to a single run and 11 hits over 15-2/3 innings.
KEY MOMENTS OF THE GAME
- Working with a full count, Curry ripped her two-run double to give Louisiana a lead in the first inning for the third time in the series.
- Ellyson prevented a switch in momentum after a leadoff single and error in the second inning gave Troy a runner in scoring position. She retired the next three hitters to strand the runner.
- Gremillion drew an errant throw on a stolen base attempt in the third inning and two batters later Curry brought her home with a sacrifice fly.
- Comeaux ensured a leadoff double by Dalton in the fourth inning wouldn’t be for naught as she lifted her home run inside the left field foul pole.
- The first three Ragin’ Cajuns reached base in the fifth inning to bring the game to an early end. Gremillion homered to lead off for a 6-0 edge, then Rawls singled ahead of Curry’s home run.
NOTEWORTHY
- Bailey Curry finished one RBI shy of her season-and career-high total of six set vs. Kent State back on Feb. 22.
- For the seventh consecutive start, Summer Ellyson held the opposition to one earned run or less. She yielded only two runs total this week over 28-2/3 innings pitched.
- For the week, Summer Ellyson claimed all five of Louisiana’s victories, limited foes to 17 hits and struck out 43 in 28-2/3 innings pitched.
- Lexie Comeaux surpassed 100 career RBI with her two-run homer. Now at 101 career RBI, she also reached 20 RBI in a season for the third straight season.
- Louisiana’s offense generated multiple home runs for the fourth consecutive game and sixth time in the past eight dating back to the Texas State series opener.
UP NEXT
The current homestand for No. 10 Louisiana wraps up Wednesday, March 20 when I-10 neighbor McNeese visits Yvette Girouard Field at Lamson Park. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.
The Ragin’ Cajuns return to Sun Belt action Friday-Sunday, March 22-24 in Mobile, Ala., with a three-game series at South Alabama.
FOLLOW THE RAGIN’ CAJUNS
Follow the Ragin’ Cajuns on Facebook (/RaginCajunsSB), Twitter (@RaginCajunsSB) and Instagram (@Louisiana.SB) to stay up-to-date on all that is happening with Louisiana Softball.
SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE
• Season tickets, beginning at $100, are available online at RaginCajuns.com using Account Manager, by calling the Louisiana Athletics Ticket Office at (337) 265-2170 or by visiting the ticket office in person Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and extended hours during Ragin’ Cajuns basketball events.
• Fans who purchase season tickets receive priority access for any potential NCAA postseason games held at Lamson Park.
• For information on premium seating and parking at Lamson Park, contact the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF) at (337) 851-2903. General admission parking at Cajun Field will be free for all games during the 2019 season.
