University of Louisiana at Lafayette Athletics
Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns
Southeastern Louisiana
Baseball Travels to Hammond to Close Out Season-Opening Trip
2/21/2012 6:21:00 PM | Baseball
Game Notes
THE MIDWEEK GAME
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012
Location: Hammond, La.
Site: Alumni Field (2,500)
Time: 6:00 p.m
Opponent: Southeastern Louisiana (3-0, 0-0 Southland)
Radio: SportsRadio ESPN 1420 AM (KPEL)
Internet Broadcast: www.espn1420.com
Live Stats/Video: www.LionSports.net
STARTING PITCHERS
RHP Caleb Kellogg (UL) vs. RHP Kaleb Manuel (SLU)
Almost Home: The Ragin' Cajuns close out a season-opening, four-game road swing on Wednesday in Hammond facing Southeastern Louisiana at Alumni Field. Louisiana opens the home portion of the 2012 schedule Friday-Sunday, Feb. 24-26 hosting Towson at “The Tigue”.
Quick Reset: Louisiana returned home Monday night from the CenturyLink Bobcat Invitational in San Marcos, Texas. The return was a day later than expected as rain showers in the San Marcos area delayed the start of the tournament until Saturday. Joe Zimmermann gave the Cajuns a strong start on the mound vs. Wichita State on Saturday, tossing five scoreless innings of three-hit baseball and Daniel Nichols provided the winning run in the bottom of the eighth in a 1-0 victory. On Sunday, Santa Clara scored six runs in the eighth inning to spoil a quality start by Jordan Nicholson (6.0 IP, 2 R, 6K). Texas State out-hit the Cajuns 15-10 on Monday, scored in all but two innings to post a 9-5 victory spoiling the debut of junior college transfer Chris Griffitt. The Bobcats used a three-run outburst in the sixth inning to break open a 4-2 contest.
Time to End This Streak: The Ragin' Cajuns are seeking to end a seven-game losing streak to Southeastern Louisiana – the longest losing streak to the Lions in the all-time series. The Cajuns last win over SLU came on March 5, 2008 at “The Tigue” (W, 3-1).
The SLU Series (UL leads 57-44): Wednesday night the two programs meet for the 102nd time. The 100th meeting took place back on March 9, 2011 at Alumni Field in Hammond. UL is 13-9 vs. SLU under Tony Robichaux. SLU has won seven of the last 11 meetings. Series resumed in 1999 after a 10-season hiatus from 1989-1998. The two teams will complete the home-and-home series on Tuesday, April 3 at “The Tigue”.
Caleb Gets First Career Start: Sophomore pitcher Caleb Kellogg makes his first career start for Louisiana in Wednesday's meeting with SLU. Kellogg garnered 19 relief appearances as a freshman last season and led the team with five saves.
A Capable Replacement: Sophomore Ryan Leonards took over at shortstop last weekend for the program's all-time assists leader Greg Fontenot. Leonards was busy and took care of business collecting 15 assists. He fielded all but one of 23 chances cleanly.
Where Did You Go Mike?: Last season's starting catcher Michael Strentz got reps in preseason practice in the outfield. During opening weekend in San Marcos, the sophomore out of Lafayette started all three games in left field.
An All-Acadiana Infield: The Cajuns have stockpiled local talent in recent years and the starting infield in the season opener vs. Wichita State reflected that trend. Tyler Frederick (Acadiana HS – 1B), Jace Conrad (Lafayette HS – 2B), Ryan Leonards (Notre Dame HS – SS) and Tyler Girouard (Teurlings Catholic – 3B) all hail from the Acadiana area.
Bullpen's Shaky Start: UL's bullpen surrendered eight earned runs over the final two games at the CenutryLink Bobcat Invitational.
Everybody Have Their Name Tag?: The Cajuns welcomed 14 newcomers (8 freshmen, 6 JUCOs) to the 2012 squad. Louisiana lost 13 seniors plus junior center fielder Alex Fuselier off last season's third-place Sun Belt finish.
Robichaux Among Baseball's Elite: UL head coach Tony Robichaux entered the 2012 season in the Top 25 amongst winningest active Division I baseball coaches. Robichaux's 871 career victories stood 22nd on the list.
Robe Nearing Another Milestone: Head coach Tony Robichaux needs 28 wins to reach 900 career wins. His career record currently stands at 872-588-1.
Like Father, Like Son Part 2: The 2012 roster features Austin Robichaux, the youngest of head coach Tony Robichaux's three children. Austin is the second of coach Robichaux's children to play at UL (older brother Justin wore the Cajuns uniform from 2007-10).
Pitching Prowess: UL pitching has led the Sun Belt in ERA in nine of the last 12 seasons (2000-11). Louisiana held the opposition to five runs or less 39 times in 58 games (27-12 record) during the 2011 campaign.
-- Ragin' Cajuns --
