The Houston Christian University Huskies defeated the New Orleans Privateers 15-1 in the opening game of their baseball series on April 17 at Husky Field.
The game saw HCU take an early lead with a four-run first inning, starting with two walks followed by RBI singles from Jeremy Rader and Luke Bard. Katcher Halligan added to the tally with a two-run single up the middle. The third inning proved decisive as Nico DeFazio and Rader each hit three-run home runs, extending HCU’s advantage to 12-0.
New Orleans attempted to respond in the fourth inning when Dylan Biddick drew a walk and Miles Curley hit one of his two doubles for the night. However, relief pitcher Joshua Carvalho managed to escape without allowing any runs, helping maintain HCU’s shutout through five innings. Carvalho earned the win after pitching five innings in relief behind starter Trent Barnes.
The Privateers got on the scoreboard in the seventh inning when Eli Tidwell led off with a double and was driven home by Dathan Cummings’ RBI single. Cummings later tried to score from second but was called out at home plate, ending New Orleans’ scoring opportunity.
HCU finished with 15 runs on 11 hits and nine walks. Rader went three-for-four at bat with four RBIs while Halligan and Levi Castilleja each contributed two hits. Jack Walker reached base three times and scored twice for HCU.
For New Orleans, Curley went two-for-three with two doubles while Biddick drew three walks, bringing his season total to 41 free passes. The loss marked their third run-rule defeat during conference play.
The series is set to continue Saturday morning.
