Jaguars rip Cajuns 9-4

The first time the Ragin’ Cajuns of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette took on the Jaguars of Southern University, the Jaguars were defeated 10-1.
But that almost two months and a different team ago.
Tuesday, April 23 in front of a crowd of 300 fans, the Ragin’ Cajuns were handled in a 9-4 convincing manner by the new and improved Jaguars baseball team. SU raised its record to 35-6 overall and 23-3 in SWAC play.
“They are a good team … you could tell the difference in attitudes from the first time we played them,” said ULL head coach Tony Robichaux.
“We played a great game … what a way to go out,” said Robert Primus. “We came together. And this was not just any game. We beat a team that was once ranked nationally.”
Great defense and great pitching held the Cajun scoreless through six innings.
Dewon Day, who got his first start of season was credited with the 9-4 win over the Cajuns.
Veteran pitcher Jason Anderson who has been struggling for the majority of the season also added to the win by showing glimpses of the old Jason Anderson.
“Dewon really got out there and throw the ball well,” said Southern head coach Roger Cador. “It’s great to see Jason pitching so well lately. He adds more depth to our already deep pitching staff … he is starting to look like the old Jason.”
Day himself was surprised at his performance on the pound.
“I pitched terribly in the bullpen, but I am glad I was able to show people that I can pitch,” said Day a transfer from conference foe Jackson State University.
Great hitting was also a key factor in the Southern’s mid-week victory.
The Jaguars managed to gain a 6-0 lead over the Cajuns in the first six innings.
Senior outfielder Robert Primus got the first score of the night in the second inning with a solo-homerun over the left-field fence. The homer was Primus’ ninth of the season.
The Jaguars nabbed two more runs with a two-run homer by Antoin Gray-his 14th of the season.
The Cajuns finally managed to score in the seventh inning of a two-run homerun by Bryan Sneed, Chase Lambin crossed the plate next, to close in on the Jaguars lead by three.
All-American Rickie Weeks finished the scoring for the Jaguars with a three-run homer in the eighth inning.
ULL managed to get one more score with a one-run homer by Brad Saloom.
“This was a pretty good game,” said Weeks. “Our pitchers throw well, we hit the ball well. It was a good game all around.”
The only incident marring Tuesday night’s contest was a controversial call against the Jaguars. Catcher Joey Mouton was hit on the hand with a pitch, but instead of being given a base, the pitch was ruled a ball. The umpire’s reason being the hand is considered a part of the bat and not the body.
“That call is insignificant, he missed that call, there is a difference in flesh and metal, they make two totally different sounds,” said Cador. “But that’s a part a of the game.”
The Jaguars will finish regular season SWAC play against the Panthers of Prairie View A&M University, in a four-game series, Friday and Saturday.
The events began at noon both days. From there the Jaguars will prepare for the SWAC tournament to be held in Shreveport, at Centenary Park (Saturday’s games will be held on the campus of Louisiana State University-Shreveport) May 2-5.