NEW ORLEANS - Arkansas State struck early for five runs over the first three innings and held off New Orleans for a 7-6 win on Saturday afternoon at Maestri Field.
It was the second straight day in which ASU (14-9, 5-3 Sun Belt) jumped out to an early lead on UNO (6-14, 1-7 SBC).
Jordan Castaldo hit 3-for-5 to lead the Red Wolves, picking up an RBI during the four-run first inning. Kyle DeGrace and Ryan Emery had matching 2-for-4 outings with DeGrace tallying two RBIs.
Ross Humes (3-1) picked up the win for ASU, pitching the first five innings and allowing three runs on five hits.
The Privateers were able to cut into the 5-0 deficit with three runs in the fourth. Nick Schwaner walked and Nolan Church, who hit 3-for-5 in the game, singled to lead off the inning, setting the table for the UNO offense.
Castaldo singled in the fifth inning and scored later in the frame to make it 6-3.
Both teams stayed off of the scoreboard until Johnny Thomas hit his second home run of the year in the seventh inning. The Privateers tallied a second run in the frame on reliever Andres Caceres as a Giovanni Garcia error allowed Kevin Berry to bring UNO within one at 6-5.
ASU added a run in the eighth, ending the day for Jim McGonigle (2-1), who was handed his first loss of the season. The right-handed pitcher surrendered seven runs on 11 hits, striking out three during a 7 2/3 inning outing.
John Koch posted his first save of the season, retiring the final two batters, after inheriting a bases loaded, one out situation from Andres Caceres, who yielded one run in the bottom of the ninth.
Schwaner, Thomas and Tyler Sanford each were 2-for-4 at the plate for UNO.
The series will conclude Sunday at 1 p.m.
