Privateers Fall to Middle Tennessee in 12 Innings

BOX SCORE (XML) | BOX SCORE (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (4-6) were done in by small ball for the deciding run in a 2-1 loss in 12 innings to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (6-1) on Friday at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.
 
Jared Allen led off by striking out, but reaching on a wild pitch. A sacrifice bunt moved Allen to second with one away, and then he successfully stole third. With the infield drawn in, Jake Ingold bounced a single up the middle to score what would be the game winning run.
 
Sam Alton fired his second shutout inning of relief to seal the win. Alton retired the side in order to secure the win for Middle Tennessee. "We got good pitching, but we just couldn't get the key hit and they did," said Coach Ron Maestri.
 
The Privateers started the scoring back in the second inning after getting the first two batters to reach. Preston Marsh singled and Hezekiah Randolph followed by reaching on a fielder's choice. The Blue Raiders tried to turn a double play off the bat of Jonathan Santana, but the throw on the turn was wide and allowed Marsh to score.
 
Shawn Semple provided another solid outing for the Privateers, and gave up his only run in the fifth. After a Kaleb King double led off the inning, Kevin Dupree sacrificed him over to third. With runners on the corners, Dustin Delgado hit a fly ball deep enough to right to score the run and tie the game at 1-1.
 
Both teams left opportunities on the table from then as pitching ruled the night. Seth Laigast, Jarred Taylor, and Darron McKigney combined to allow just three hits and keep the Blue Raiders bats silent. Middle Tennessee stranded 14 runners on the night.
 
Marsh provided the only multi-hit night for the Privateers, going 2-for-4 with a run. Semple's start lasted six innings and featured six strikeouts including ending five of the six innings on a strikeout. Sam Capielano and Jonathan Coco each had a hit.
 
Johnathan Frebis went 7.1 innings and allowed one unearned run while fanning seven. Dustin Delgado and Brad Jarreau each had two hits. Jarreau reached base four times from the ninth spot in the order, also drawing two walks.
 
The two teams are back at it on Saturday with a first pitch slated for 12 p.m.
 
For more information, follow the Privateers on Twitter @UNOPrivateers and @Privateers_BSB or like us on Facebook.