Louisiana

Louisiana Wraps Up Home Schedule Against Texas State

Published

2 years ago

May 12, 2023

Louisiana Wraps Up Home Schedule Against Texas State

LAFAYETTE – The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball team wraps up its 33-game home schedule beginning on Friday when it plays host to Texas State in a three-game Sun Belt Conference series at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park.

First pitch for Friday’s opener is scheduled for 6 p.m. The series resumes on Saturday at 4 p.m. before concluding on Sunday at 1. All three games will be streamed live on ESPN+ with fans able to listen to each game in the Lafayette area on KPEL-FM (96.5) and worldwide on the Varsity Network app.

The weekend series against defending SBC regular-season champion Texas State (33-16, 15-9 SBC) will be a busy one as Louisiana (32-18, 14-10 SBC) will honor its graduation class in a pre-game ceremony on Saturday before honoring its eight-man senior class – Zack Crain (Manager), Jerry Couch, Jake Hammond, Heath Hood, Max Marusak, Cooper Rawls, Will Veillon and CJ Willis in a post-game ceremony on Saturday.

Sunday’s home finale will feature the annual Mother’s Day First Pitch with the Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball mothers throwing the ceremonial First Pitch to their sons.

Louisiana looks to remain in the upper half of the Sun Belt Conference standings after earning a three-game sweep last weekend at ULM. The Ragin’ Cajuns close out the regular-season beginning on Thursday with a three-game series (May 18-20) at nationally-ranked Southern Miss before defending their SBC Tournament championship from May 23-28 at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Ala.

Six players – Conor Higgs (.395-5-25), Kyle DeBarge (.361-5-29), Hood (.349-4-31) and Julian Brock (.344-10-55), Carson Roccaforte (.331-3-37) and John Taylor (.326-6-39) – are hitting above .300 on the season for Louisiana.

Four players – Hood (32), Veillon (22), Roccaforte (20) and Marusak (20) – have stolen 20 or more bases on the season for the Ragin’ Cajuns, one of two Division I schools to achieve that feat.

Jackson Nezuh (7-4, 7.29 ERA) will earn the start in Friday’s opener for Louisiana with right-hander Carson Fluno (1-0, 5.06) taking the mound on Saturday. Hammond (3-3, 3.67 ERA) will start in Sunday’s finale for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Davis Powell (.369-5-29) leads Texas State at the plate with freshman Chase Mora (.325-15-48) leading the Bobcats in home runs. Jose Gonzalez (.285-11-50) leads the team in RBI with August Ramirez (.275-10-30) joining Mora and Gonzalez with 10-plus home runs.

Texas State will send right-hander Levi Wells (7-2, 4.57 ERA) to the mound on Friday with Zeke Wood (2-2, 4.63 ERA) taking the mound on Saturday. Right-hander Tony Robie (5-2, 3.91 ERA) will earn the start in Sunday’s game.

Single-game tickets are available by visiting the Louisiana Athletics Box Office at the Cajundome or purchasing by visiting Account Manager [am.ticketmaster.com]. For more information call the Louisiana Athletics Box Office at the Cajundome at (337) 265-2104.

Fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the Ragin’ Cajuns by downloading the #GeauxCajuns app. Click here [apps.apple.com] for iOS/Apple platforms and here [play.google.com] for Android platforms.

For the latest updates on Ragin’ Cajuns baseball, follow on Facebook (RaginCajunsBaseball), Twitter (@RaginCajunsBSB) and Instagram (@RaginCajunsBSB) or check RaginCajuns.com.

GAMES 51-53 PREVIEW

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (32-18, 14-10 SBC) vs. Texas State Bobcats (33-16, 15-9 SBC)

DATE/TIMES (dates and times are subject to change)

Friday – May 12, 6 p.m.

Saturday – May 13, 4 p.m.

Sunday – May 14, 1 p.m.

LOCATION/SITE

M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park (6,015) | Lafayette, La.

PROMOTIONS

SATURDAY

Pre-Game (Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball On-Field Graduation Ceremony)

Post-Game (Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Senior Day Ceremony)

SUNDAY

Pre-Game (Mother’s Day First Pitch)

Family Day (Anthem Buddies, Kids Run the Bases Post-Game)

PITCHING MATCHUPS

FRIDAY – 6 p.m.

LOUISIANA | RH Jackson Nezuh (6-1, 180, Jr., St. Cloud, Fla.)

’23 Stats: 7-4, 7.29 ERA, 63.0 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 51 ER, 23 BB, 72 K, .285 OppBA

TEXAS STATE | RH Levi Wells (6-0, 191, Jr., La Porte, Texas)

’23 Stats: 7-2, 4.57 ERA, 61.0 IP, 58 H, 32 R, 31 ER, 25 BB, 79 K, .246 OppBA

SATURDAY – 4 p.m.

LOUISIANA | RH Carson Fluno (6-1, 185, Jr., Sun Prairie, Wis.)

’23 Stats: 1-0, 5.03 ERA, 3 Sv., 34.0 IP, 38 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 13 BB, 36 K, .275 OppBA

TEXAS STATE | RH Zeke Wood (6-4, 210, Sr., Paris, Texas)

’23 Stats: 2-2, 4.63 ERA, 46.2 IP, 43 H, 29 R, 24 ER, 20 BB, 54 K, .256 OppBA

SUNDAY – 1 p.m.

LOUISIANA | RH Jake Hammond (6-3, 230, Sr., Monroe, La.)

’23 Stats: 3-3, 3.67 ERA, 49.0 IP, 43 H, 23 R, 20 ER, 20 BB, 50 K, .243 OppBA

TEXAS STATE | RH Tony Robie (6-5, 210, Jr., Mansfield, Texas)

’23 Stats: 5-2, 3.91 ERA, 46.0 IP, 25 R, 20 ER, 20 BB, 41 K, .240 OppBA

RANKINGS

Louisiana – Not ranked

Texas State – Receiving Votes (NCBWA)

RADIO/TV/LIVE STATISTICS

RADIO (Pregame Show starts 30 minutes prior to first pitch)

Station – KPEL-FM (96.5) / The Varsity Network App

Talent – Jay Walker (pxp); Brad Topham (color)

STREAMING (ESPN+)

Talent – Dan McDonald (pxp); Eric Mouton (color – Friday/Saturday); Brennan Breaux (color – Sunday)

LIVE STATS

CajunStats.com

SERIES RECORD

Overall: Louisiana leads, 25-21

In Lafayette: Louisiana leads, 14-10

In San Marcos: Texas State leads, 10-5

Neutral Sites: Louisiana leads, 6-1

SBC Games: Texas State leads, 14-10

Last 10: Texas State, 7-3

LEADING OFF

• Louisiana will wrap up its 33-game home schedule beginning on Friday with a three-game Sun Belt Conference series against Texas State.

• Louisiana will honor its seven-man Senior Class – Jerry Couch, Jake Hammond, Heath Hood, Max Marusak, Cooper Rawls, Will Veillon and CJ Willis in a post-game ceremony on Saturday.

• Head coach Matt Deggs claimed his 100th win at Louisiana in an 8-2 win at Marshall on April 8.

• Cooper Rawls’ 10 wins on the mound in 2023 is tied for second nationally and equals the most by a Cajuns pitcher since Gunner Leger (10) in 2017.

• With four stolen bases on Tuesday at Louisiana Tech, Louisiana increased its season total to 148 on the season to break the school-record (145) set in both 1991 and 2002.

• Louisiana’s 148 stolen bases in 2023 mark the first time the Ragin’ Cajuns have stolen 100-plus bases in back-to-back seasons since 1999-2000 (110/125). Louisiana stole 138 bases in 2022.

• With 32 stolen bases, Heath Hood became the first Ragin’ Cajun since Nathan Nelson (33) in 2000 to eclipse 30+ steals in a season.

• Hood is one steal from tying Nelson for fifth and two from tying Papo Ramos (1992) for fourth in a season in school history.

• Louisiana is one of two Division I schools nationally with four players with 20+ steals in a season.

• Louisiana is third nationally in stolen bases (148) and 11th in fielding percentage (.981).

• Carson Roccaforte’s 21 doubles in 2023 are tied for the fifth-most in single-season in school history; with 42 career doubles, Roccaforte is three shy of tying Dylan Butler (2012-15) for fifth in school history.

• Max Marusak’s nine sacrifice bunts in 2023 are two shy of the single-season, school record shared by Tyler Robertson (2022), Seth Harrison (2014) and Josh Landry (2006).

• The Ragin’ Cajuns lead the Sun Belt Conference and are 10th in the nation in sacrifice flies (30).

• Hood is one triple shy of moving into a tie for fifth place (11) in school history with Ron Robicheaux (1983-86) and Major Swindler (1967-70).

• Roccaforte’s 59 career steals are the third-most in school history trailing Mickey Berry (69, 1977-78) and Papo Ramos (63, 1991-92).

• Hood’s 51 stolen bases are two shy of tying Ruben Rodriguez (1987-88) for sixth in school history.

• Louisiana ranks first in the SBC in fielding percentage (.981), doubles (111), sacrifice flies, shutouts (5), stolen bases, stolen bases per game, WHIP (1.37) and walks allowed per nine innings (4.23).

• Louisiana is 24-6 when scoring six or more runs per game and 26-7 when allowing five runs or less.

• The Ragin’ Cajuns have hit five grand slam home runs during the 2023 season (Julian Brock – 3, Conor Higgs – 1; Max Marusak – 1).

• The Ragin’ Cajuns are 15-3 in games decided by five runs or greater during the 2023 season.

• The Ragin’ Cajuns .981 fielding percentage is on pace to finish as the best mark in school history, eclipsing the previous best (.979) set in 2018.

• Louisiana’s 21 victories at #TheTigue in 2023 have surpassed the season total set last season (19 in 27 games).

WHAT’S ON DECK

• Louisiana closes out the 2023 regular season beginning on Thursday when it travels to Hattiesburg, Miss., to face SBC newcomer and co-leader Southern Miss in a three-game series at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field.

• First pitch for both Thursday and Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. with Saturday’s regular-season finale set for 2 p.m. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+.

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Louisiana

Letters: State should invest in training mental health providers

Published

4 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Letters: State should invest in training mental health providers

Most of Louisiana is classified as a mental health professional shortage area, leaving countless families — especially children —without access to critical mental health services. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, over half of children in Louisiana who experience mental health challenges do not receive the care they need. This is a staggering number given that this study estimates that 30.3% of children ages 3-17 have at least one emotional, developmental or behavioral health disorder. This unmet need has far-reaching consequences, affecting school performance, family stability and community safety.

Addressing this gap starts with investing in higher education programs that train the mental health professionals our state desperately needs. Universities such as the University of Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, McNeese State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of New Orleans, University of Holy Cross, Tulane University, Nicholls State University, LSU and others play a vital role in preparing skilled counselors, psychologists and social workers.

However, the current capacity of mental health training programs is not sufficient to meet the growing demand. We are facing another potential budget shortfall in Louisiana that could impact higher education. Without adequate funding and resources, these programs may struggle to equip students with the expertise and experience required to enter the workforce.

Investing in these programs is not just about addressing today’s challenges — it is about safeguarding the future of Louisiana. By increasing the number of trained mental health professionals, we can improve outcomes for children and families, reduce the strain on emergency services and foster healthier, more resilient communities.

It is time to prioritize the mental health of our state by supporting higher education programs that make a difference. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future.

MATTHEW THORNTON

chief executive officer, Center for Children and Families, Inc.

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Louisiana

Stabbing death reported at Louisiana prison

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Stabbing death reported at Louisiana prison

(KTAL/KMSS) – A dispute that resulted in an inmate’s death is under investigation at a Louisiana state prison, according to the Department of Corrections.

DOC Director of Communications Ken Pastorick said the incident happened at Southern Correctional Center in Tallulah, Louisiana, and caused the death of Teldric Boyd, 31.

A new release said that around 3:25 a.m. on Monday, Boyd was allegedly stabbed in the neck with a shank by fellow inmate Austin Dean, 33. Correctional center staff is said to have immediately responded and rendered first aid, and then Boyd was brought to a local hospital, where he died at 5 a.m.

More Louisiana News

Madison Parish Sheriff’s detectives booked Dean, who they say admitted to stabbing Boyd after an argument the two men had Sunday night.

Boyd was serving a 14-year sentence for various convictions, including racketeering, aggravated battery, two counts of a felon in possession of a firearm, and drug offenses in Rapides Parish.

Dean was serving a 25-year sentence for manslaughter in Rapides Parish and a five-year sentence for aggravated assault on a peace officer; those sentences are to run consecutively.

The investigation is ongoing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.

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Louisiana

50 Cent Faces Opposition From Louisiana Senator After Buying More Property In Downtown Shreveport

Published

22 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

50 Cent Faces Opposition From Louisiana Senator After Buying More Property In Downtown Shreveport

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

50 Cent is at odds with one Louisiana lawmaker who’s taking issue with his growing real estate in Shreveport.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s growing real estate portfolio in Shreveport, Louisiana, is facing resistance from a state lawmaker urging city leaders to exercise greater caution when selling or leasing city-owned property.

The hip-hop mogul responded to a recent news article that revealed Louisiana state Sen. Sam Jenkins Jr.’s concerns about him buying more property in Downtown Shreveport after he bought three new properties last week.

“Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram post. “Who would not do a deal to wait for a imaginary deal to come 😳? Or maybe he lacks faith in me. What do you think?”

Jenkins is expressing serious concerns about an excessive concentration of city assets being controlled by a single entity, particularly 50 Cent and his expanding G-Unit Studio empire. Since May, the rapper has invested over $3.7 million in cash to acquire 10 privately owned buildings and vacant lots in Shreveport, located on Texas Street, Spring Street, and Commerce Street.

Last week, 50 Cent added three new properties, including leases on Millennium Studios, the former Expo Hall/Stageworks, and interest in the Red River entertainment District under the Texas Street Bridge. While the Millennium Studios deal “has been made and should be honored,” Jenkins, a Democrat, told The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, he is urging the city to “pump the brakes a little bit. Let’s try to see what else is out there.”

“I’m just simply saying, let’s just be careful how far we go and begin to look at some performances based upon what we’ve already pledged or promised to do,” Jenkins said.

In October, Jenkins wrote to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux outlining his concerns. He also expressed a willingness to meet with 50 Cent to discuss strategies for improving Shreveport’s economic future.

However, 50 Cent took to Instagram again to let Jenkins know he doesn’t like his “tone” and is not interested in meeting with him to discuss his continued investment in Shreveport.