LAFAYETTE, La. – Zach Biermann drove in four, including a three-run home run, to lead #15 Coastal Carolina to a 10-3 victory at Louisiana Sunday afternoon at Russo Park.
Cory Wood (2-for-4) scored three times and Kieton Rivers was 3-for-5 to also lead the Chanticleers (32-16, 18-6 Sun Belt). The Ragin’ Cajuns fall to 28-21, 14-10.
Coastal once again scored first, putting two runs on the scoreboard in the first inning. Seth Lancaster drew a leadoff walk and Kevin Woodall Jr., doubled. Lee Sponseller then delivered a two-run single to right field.
The Ragin’ Cajuns answered in the home half of the first. Hayden Cantrelle had a one-out single and Gavin Bourgeois was hit by a pitch. Hunter Kasuls singled to left to bring home Cantrelle. The Cajuns would load the bases but Zach McCambley recorded a pair of strikeouts to limit the damage.
The Chanticleers bounced back with two runs in the second to lead 4-1. Matt Beaird singled and Wood hit a ground-rule double. Lancaster followed with a two-run double to right field.
Coastal pushed its lead to six, 7-1, in the fourth inning. Wood singled with one out and Woodall drew a two-out walk to set the stage for Biermann’s three-run home. Biermann had two home runs this weekend and has 10 for the season.
The Chants scored for the fourth time in in five innings, taking an 8-1 lead, as Beaird delivered a sacrifice fly to score Parker Chavers, who had reached on a bunt single and moved to third on a fielder’s choice.
Louisiana threatened in the fifth. Loading the bases with one out, but Matt Eardensohn, in relief of McCambley, got a pop out and strikeout to end the inning.
Eardensohn improved to 5-0 on the season as he pitched 3.2 scoreless innings in relief. He allowed one hit and one walk with two strikeouts.
McCambley could not figure in the decision as he did not get through the requisite five innings, but he tied a career high with six strikeouts in 4.1 innings. He scattered six hits – three in the first inning – and one run – also in the first.
Coastal used two walks to take a 10-1 lead in the eighth. Beaird and Wood started the frame with walks and two pair moved up 90 feet. Woodall’s deep fly ball to centerfield scored Beaird and Biermann followed with an RBI single to bring home Wood.
With two outs in the ninth, Louisiana strung together three straight hits to score two runs and provide the 10-3 final score.
Coastal Carolina will return home for four games starting with a national top-25 matchup with North Carolina Wednesday (May 9). First pitch is set for 6 pm.
