NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers grabbed a brief lead in the second inning on two home runs but it was the Evansville Purple Aces who delivered a couple of big innings to pull away to an 18-4 decision on Sunday at Maestri Field in eight innings.
The Privateers grabbed what turned out to be a short-lived lead in the bottom of the second.
Maika Niu blasted a three-run homer to center field to tie the game at 3-3. The Privateers went ahead two batters later on a line drive home run by
Mitchell Sanford.
The Purple Aces regrouped and grabbed the advantage back in the third inning. Kip Fougouerousse homered to left to tie the game. Then Harrison Taubert hit one down the line that looked like it was going to hook foul but it straightened up and stayed fair as the Purple Aces grabbed the lead back.
From there, Evansville didn't look back as they avoided the sweep in grand fashion. The Purple Aces put up a seven-run fifth inning to pull away on the scoreboard. The big hit in the inning was a Brent Widder grand slam, which was one of five home runs on the season.
On the mound, the Purple Aces bullpen only allowed two hits and one walk in four innings as they struck out seven batters. Shane Harris picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.
INSIDE THE BOX
Niu and
Miguel Useche combined for four hits. Sanford finished 1-for-3 with the aforementioned home run and a walk. The pitching staff struck out 11 batters.
Evansville got four hits from Ty Rumsey and three each from Widder, Taubert and Mark Shallenberger. Eight of nine starters for the Purple Aces got a hit on the day.
NEXT UP
The first game of the 2024 Pelican Cup commences on Tuesday when the Privateers head to Tulane to face the Green Wave. First pitch is for 6:30 p.m.
WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation's biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!
Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow
@PrivateersBSB on Twitter/X,
@PrivateersBSB on Instagram, like
Privateers Baseball on Facebook and subscribe to the
UNOPrivateers YouTube
