Privateers Score Five in the First, Coast Past Middle Tennessee

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NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (5-7) exploded for five runs in the first inning and got solid pitching in an 8-2 win over the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (7-2) on Sunday at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.
 
The Blue Raiders got the scoring started with a run crossing off a two-out fielding error to make the score 1-0. That was the only advantage Middle Tennessee would enjoy on the day as the Privateers struck for five runs in the bottom of the first.
 
Ryan Calloway drew a leadoff walk and a hit-and-run executed by Samuel Capielano put runners on the corners with one out. Jonathan Coco flared a single to shallow right to push the first run across. Sam Carriere followed with an RBI single to center, and then Hezekiah Randolph drove in two with a single of his own. The final run crossed on an RBI ground out from Jonathan Santana.
 
"It gives you a little comfort when you can get out ahead. We had pitching today. We had Alex going and he pitched great. Seth did a great job and Kelleher came in and threw strikes. He's got to help us. It was a good effort today," said Coach Ron Maestri.
 
After gaining a four-run advantage early, Alex Smith (2-1) controlled the action and got out of a couple of early jams. Smith allowed 10 hits in six innings, but only one unearned run. He also struck out six batters and did not allow a walk. "That's the key with Alex. He's not overpowering, but his best pitch today was his changeup. He had great command and had them way out front," said Maestri.
 
The Privateers added some more padding to their lead in the seventh as they forced the Blue Raiders to use six different pitchers, including a position player who closed the game. After the first two runners reached base in the inning, Jay Robinson singled in a run. Calloway drew a bases loaded walk, and Capielano reached on a fielder's choice that scored the final run.
 
Randolph was one of five Privateers with two hits on the day. He also drove in two runs and stole a base. Coco, Capielano, Carriere, and Santana also had two hits each. Calloway drew three walks, drove in a run and scored a run. Seth Laigast threw two shutout frames while striking out two batters, lowering his ERA to 1.46.
 
Heath Slatton (1-2) lasted only 1.1 innings and walked four batters while surrendering five hits. Michael Adkins led the way at the plate for the Blue Raiders with three hits and he also closed the game on the mound. Ronnie Jebavy stole his third base of the series and added two hits.
 
The Privateers remain at home for their lone mid-week game against Sacred Heart on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.
 
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