LAFAYETTE, La. – Virginia Tech starting pitcher Chris Gerard struck out a career-high 12 batters over seven innings of work, but two costly errors in the fifth frame was all the runs Louisiana would need as the Ragin' Cajuns won the first of a three-game series, 3-2, at M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field Russo Park Friday night.
Gerard (0-1) struck out at least two in four innings, which included striking out the side in his final inning of work in the seventh. He became the first Hokie to strike out a dozen since Connor Coward fanned 12 Pitt Panthers on March 9, 2018. Gerard's previous high of 10 was set last year at Florida State (March 9, 2019).
Louisiana (2-4) scored the night's only runs in the home half of the fifth as a Jon Windham leadoff single was followed by back-to-back throwing errors on grounders that traveled less than 90 feet, the second scored Windham. Gavin Bourgeois hit a two-out single to score the final run of the night that give the Cajuns the 2-0 lead.
Tech (1-3) had baserunners in every inning except the fourth and fifth and had a great chance to even the contest in the eighth. A Reagan Teegarden one-out single chased Louisiana starter Conor Angel (1-1) out of the contest. Pinch hitter Cade Hunter and Nick Biddison each drew a walk off reliever Jacob Schultz which loaded the bases. However, a strikeout and flyout ended the threat.
In the ninth, Spencer Palmer walked to open the frame prompting the Cajuns to go to their closer Connor Cooke, who picked up his second save of the season by retiring all three Hokies he faced.
Quick notes
- This was the first ever game between the two schools.
- Coach John Szefc was an assistant coach at Louisiana for six seasons (2003-08).
- Tech is now 5-14 in 19 all-time games in the Pelican state.
Inside the box
- Biddison: 50th consecutive start
- Gerard: 14th start for Tech; third career quality start; second career time striking out the side.
Up Next
- The two teams will continue the three-game series at Russo Park on Saturday with first pitch set for 3 p.m. EST.