Louisiana baseball delivered a statement win on Sunday, overpowering App State 12-3 to clinch the Sun Belt Conference series at Smith Stadium in Boone, N.C. The victory not only showcased the Ragin' Cajuns' offensive firepower but also solidified their position in the conference standings as the regular season heads into its final stretch.
The game erupted in the second inning when Owen Galt launched his first collegiate home run—a no-doubt shot over the left-field wall on a 2-and-2 pitch. Lee Amedee followed suit later in the frame, crushing his fourth homer of the season with an opposite-field blast that just stayed fair inside the left-field foul pole. Those two swings highlighted a four-run outburst that set the tone early.
Louisiana didn't let up. After App State trimmed the lead to 6-2 in the third, the Ragin' Cajuns answered emphatically in the fourth with a six-run explosion. Amedee drew a bases-loaded walk, Colt Brown ripped a two-run single up the middle, and Donovan LaSalle added an RBI single through the left side. Steven Spalitta also worked a bases-loaded walk, and Drew Markle scampered home on a passed ball. By the time the dust settled, Louisiana had built a commanding 12-2 lead.
On the mound, Ty Roman (3-4) delivered his best outing since March 24, striking out six over 5.2 innings to earn his first win in over a month. Sawyer Pruitt and Tyler Papenbrock closed the door, with Papenbrock tossing 2.1 scoreless innings to seal the victory.
Offensively, the Ragin' Cajuns pounded out 14 hits. Drew Markle led the way with three hits and two RBIs, while Blaze Rodriguez, Noah Lewis, and Maddox Mandino each chipped in two hits. Galt finished with two hits, including his milestone home run.
The win improved Louisiana to 32-20 overall and 14-13 in Sun Belt play, moving them into sole possession of sixth place in the conference standings. That's one game ahead of a three-way tie between Texas State, Old Dominion, and Marshall—a crucial cushion with just one week left in the regular season.
For App State, starter Tyler Nolan (4-1) took the loss after allowing five runs on five hits in just one inning. The Mountaineers used eight pitchers in total, with Reyn Watson providing the most effective relief, striking out five over 2.1 scoreless innings.
As the Ragin' Cajuns gear up for their final regular-season series, this dominant win provides both momentum and breathing room. With the postseason on the horizon, Louisiana is proving they have the bats and the arms to make noise in the Sun Belt tournament.