NEW ORLEANS – The bullpen dominated to back up a solid start by
Grant Edwards as the New Orleans Privateers scored a 4-2 win over the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon at Maestri Field.
Edwards picked up his first win in a Privateer uniform after he went six innings. He held the Bulldogs without a hit until the fourth inning and he allowed just one walk on the day.
The Bulldogs got to Edwards in the sixth though when Tristen Curless hit an opposite field two-run homer to put the road team up 2-1. That advantage was short-lived as the Privateers responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth.
After
Alexander Saunier and
Issac Williams reached on base hits,
Victor Castillo hit one to first base that went between the legs of Curless. That error tied the game at 2-2. The Privateers went ahead on an RBI fielder's choice from
Rowan Watt.
From there it was on the bullpen to get the last nine outs and protect a narrow lead.
Ryan Delorbe started things off by battling back from a leadoff walk to retire the side in the seventh.
Nathan Blasick came on in the eighth and went through the side in order with two strikeouts.
Then
Kyrin Tyson-Long came on for his second save opportunity of the season. Long got the first two Bulldogs out in the inning. After Kylan Duncan singled to left field, Long induced a ground ball for a game ending fielder's choice.
Delorbe, Blasick and Long combined for just one hit and one walk allowed while they racked up five strikeouts.
Maika Niu provided an insurance run after the Privateers took the lead. Niu hit one down the left field line that stayed fair and snuck over the fence for his second home run of the season.
INSIDE THE BOX
Saunier and Williams combined to collect six of the team's 10 hits. Castillo had a hit and a walk. The Privateers had two bunt singles both to the third base side. The win gave the Privateers their third consecutive weekend series victory to begin the '24 campaign.
Anthony Mateo started for the Bulldogs and pitched into the eighth. He gave up four runs (two earned). Alex Diaz had the only multi-hit game for Alabama A&M as he went 2-for-4.
NEXT UP
The series closes with a 1 p.m. first pitch on Sunday.
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.
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