Privateers Take Series Finale, Semple Throws Shutout in Return

GAME 2: BOX SCORE (XML) | BOX SCORE (PDF)
GAME 3: BOX SCORE (XML) | BOX SCORE (PDF)

NEW ORLEANS, La. – The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (12-25, 3-15 Southland) got a complete game shutout to end the weekend with a 2-0 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders (19-16, 9-9) on Sunday at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.
 
In his return to the mound, Shawn Semple threw the first complete shutout since May 2002. Semple limited the Islanders to four hits and no walks while recording five strikeouts. 69 of Semple's 94 pitches went for strikes. "He did just a great job. To come back and pitch like he did today, it was an outstanding performance. He had great command," said Coach Ron Maestri.
 
The Privateers got an early run in the first. Jonathan Coco doubled to left and Preston Marsh quickly followed by pulling one into left for an RBI single to make it 1-0 after the opening frame. From there, Semple's command coupled with spectacular defense most notably by Parker Jones kept the Islanders silent.
 
"Parker's done a great job and he's solidified the infield as has Sam (Carriere). We've played Parker everywhere and he's made all the plays. Defensively we're inching up and we're making the plays when we have to make them," said Maestri.
 
New Orleans added their final run in the sixth. After Ryan Calloway singled for his second hit of the day, Sam Carriere doubled to right center on a ball that rolled down toward the warning track. It was the last batter Devin Skapura faced on the day. Jacob Dorris threw the final three innings for the Islanders.
 
The suspended game from Saturday resumed in the morning as Lukas Hermanson tripled to drive in a run and extend the Islanders lead to 7-3. The Privateers came back with a run scored in the bottom of the seventh on a wild pitch to cut the deficit to three. Jonathan Coco then singled through the right side of the infield, but Sam Carriere was thrown out trying to score. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi then added three more runs in the final two innings and finished off a 10-4 victory.
 
The Privateers will be back in action on Wednesday at home against Jackson State. First pitch is for 6:30 p.m.
 
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