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Louisiana-Lafayette Even Series with 1-0 Shutout Victory over WKU

Posted: 7:38 PM Apr 7, 2012
Reporter: Melissa Anderson - WKU Athletic Media Relations

LAFAYETTE, La. — The Western Kentucky University baseball team was shutout for the first time this season Saturday night as Louisiana-Lafayette pitchers Chris Griffitts and Caleb Kellogg combined for a 1-0 shutout victory at M. L. “Tigue” More Field.

WKU (13-17, 5-5 Sun Belt Conference) out hit Louisiana (13-16, 3-7) six to five but failed to capitalize on chances with runners in scoring position in both the eighth and ninth innings.

Hilltoppers starter Tim Bado (2-3) was touched for one run on five hits while issuing a walk and striking out eight in eight innings. The left-hander retired the first six batters he faced and also set down Louisiana in order in the sixth and eighth.

Griffitt (3-2) threw 6-1/2 shutout innings for the Ragin’ Cajuns, allowing five hits around two walks and eight strikeouts. Kellogg worked the final 2-2/3 innings, giving up a hit and striking out two.

At the plate, WKU hitters Casey Dykes, Ryan Hutchison and Ryan Huck each tallied two hits. Hutchison had the lone extra-base hit for the Hilltoppers, a double in the eighth. Designated hitter Blake Crabtree drew two walks.

The Ragin’ Cajuns scored the lone run of the game in the bottom of the third on a sacrifice fly by center fielder Brian Bowman. Left fielder Daniel Nichols scored on the play after leading off the inning with a walk, moving to second on a single and third on a sacrifice bunt.

The Hilltoppers threatened in the bottom of the eight after stranding a pair of runners in the fifth and sixth innings. Following a two-out walk to first baseman Scott Wilcox, Hutchison doubled down the left-field line to put runners on second and third. Kellogg then struck out WKU left fielder David Simmons to end frame and the threat.

In the bottom of the ninth, WKU had a chance with runners at the corners and no outs. Hilltoppers shortstop Steve Hodgins attempted a squeeze bunt that resulted in Crabtree being thrown out at home plate and pinch hitter Jordan Cessna being thrown out at third. Hodgins was caught stealing at second to end the game.

Neither team has announced a starting pitcher for Sunday’s series finale. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.