Missouri State lost the first two games of its Conference USA baseball series against Louisiana Tech on April 25, falling 9-2 in the resumed game from Friday and then dropping Saturday’s scheduled game 6-5 at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.
The results bring Missouri State’s record to 26-14 overall and 14-6 in conference play. This marks only the third time this season that the Bears have lost a series out of eleven weekends. Louisiana Tech improved its record to 26-18 overall and 13-7 in league play.
Bryce Cermenelli contributed two hits in each game, extending his hitting streak to twenty-three games, which ties for sixth-best in program history. The series is set to conclude on Sunday at 1 p.m.
In the first game, Louisiana Tech took an early lead with a six-run first inning that included four doubles and a triple, followed by a solo home run in the second for a quick seven-run advantage. Missouri State responded with runs from Curry Sutherland’s sacrifice fly and Carter Bergman’s twelfth home run of the season but could not close the gap before weather delayed play until Saturday. Upon resumption, LA Tech added another run for a final score of 9-2.
The second game saw Missouri State trailing throughout but nearly making a comeback before being stopped by an out at home plate on their last offensive opportunity. Notable performances included Sutherland’s fourteenth homer of the year and defensive plays such as Caden Bogenpohl throwing out what would have been LA Tech’s go-ahead run at home plate during the seventh inning. Jason Schaaf started for Missouri State with five strikeouts over five innings without issuing any walks.
Looking ahead, both teams will finish their weekend series on Sunday afternoon.
