STERLINGTON, La. – The Tigers began the Cajun Collision in Louisiana Friday night, facing #4 Louisiana State University Shreveport. Campbellsville got their bats going late in the game, but it wasn't enough to take over the Pilots, as the Tigers lost 8-5.
In the first inning,
Jorge Gonzalez was the first up to bat, where he was walked. He stole second right before
Chad McCann took a stroll as well. Those two Tigers were left on base after
Noah Amenta struck out swinging for that inning. The Pilots struck early in the game, scoring two runs off three hits, leaving one on base at the bottom of the first.
Campbellsville started the second inning three up, three down, and then it was time for them to take the field. Campbellsville made two fielding errors, and LSU Shreveport stranded a runner. The Tigers scored their first run in the third quarter when
Alex Castaneda came across home plate after he was walked, stole second, and advanced to third on a passed ball.
Josiah Clark hit a single down the right-field line, but the third out cut his trip short. In the bottom of the third, the Pilots scored again and took a 3-1 lead over the Tigers going into the fourth inning.
The fourth inning was a quiet one for both teams. In the top of the frame, the Tigers again had the first three batters be the three outs. In the bottom of the inning, LSU Shreveport had one hit, but the three outs came fast.
Campbellsville continued to struggle to connect at the plate, and the Pilots took off in response. LSU Shreveport got three hits and four runs, giving them a 7-1 lead. Campbellsville committed two errors in the field this inning which cost them. In the top of the sixth inning, Campbellsville had one hit from McCann but saw no runs. The Pilots scored their last run in the bottom of the sixth, and the Tigers went into the final inning down seven.
In the top of the inning, the Tigers finally got their bats going and sent home four runs. Back-to-back Tigers were hit by pitches and found themselves on the bases.
Josiah Clark had the big connection for Campbellsville with a grand slam bringing himself, Gonzalez,
Jacob White, and
Lucas Banta in. Unfortunately, that closed out the top of the seventh and the game as well.
Campbellsville saw three pitchers on the mound.
Ryan McFarland started the game and pitched just over four innings throwing six strikes, while eight hits were off of him and he allowed six earned runs.
Joseph Ranford pitched after McFarland and threw one inning with one earned run.
Zane Morrison closed out the game for the Tigers.
Saturday, Campbellsville begins their second day at the Cajun Collision hitting the diamond against Texas A&M-Texarkana at 12 p.m. ET, then plays the night game battling Southwestern Christian University at 7 p.m. ET.
