The New Orleans Privateers baseball team defeated the South Alabama Jaguars 2-1 on Mar. 31 at Stanky Field, with strong pitching and timely hitting leading to their fifth consecutive victory over the Jaguars.
This win marks the longest streak for New Orleans against South Alabama since an eight-game run from 1992 to 1995. The Privateers’ ability to limit scoring opportunities proved decisive in a close contest.
South Alabama took an early lead in the second inning when Rett Johnson doubled, bringing Paxton Bigby home. However, a key defensive relay from Eli Tidwell to Evan Rogers to Jayden Adcox prevented a second run from scoring by tagging out Mike Young at home plate. After that play, New Orleans pitchers allowed only two hits and just one baserunner over the final four innings.
The Privateers’ offense responded in the fourth inning as Owen Smith doubled and was driven in by Kruise Newman’s RBI single. Evan Rogers then hit a ball with an exit velocity of 106 MPH to right center, allowing Newman to score what would be the winning run. This game was also notable as it was the first time since 2004 that New Orleans held South Alabama under two runs in a game.
Rex Henderson earned his second win of the season after Jack Garvey started with 1.1 scoreless innings. A collective effort from Gus Rogers, Tyler Velino, Logan Waldschmidt, Luke Lycette, and Alack helped maintain control throughout most of the night. Jayden Adcox and Kareh Valentin each contributed hits for New Orleans.
Looking ahead, New Orleans will return home for a three-game series against McNeese starting Thursday evening.
