The Baton Rouge Rougarou wanted a win for pride. But the Brazos Valley Bombers needed it to keep a 20-year playoff streak alive – and they got it.
Brazos Valley held the Rougarou to three hits on the way to a 4-1 victory over the defending Texas Collegiate League Champions, securing a spot in the TCL playoffs this week.
The Rougarou finished the season 19-26 after losing their last five games and will miss the playoffs.
“Not the kind of summer we planned it to be, but in every setback there are lessons to be learned,” first-year Rougarou coach Mike Forbes said. “We will take some time to reflect and regroup to make sure we come back better for next summer.”
Baton Rouge knew it faced a tough challenge against the Bombers, who have won their last three games and four of their last six. Trip Dobson, Bryson Jones and Logan Coley were the only Rougarou players to get hits against five Brazos Valley pitchers, who collectively walked eight and struck out 10.
Dobson scored the only Rougarou run. He singled to lead off the sixth, stole second, went to third as Jacob Keys and Haze McCorkel walked, and scored on a grounder by Jones.
Wyatt Chenevert, Carson Robb and Mac Griffin handled the pitching for the Rougarou, giving up four runs – two earned – on six hits. They walked 10 and struck out eight.
Brazos Valley was in a must-win situation to keep their playoff streak alive. With the win, Brazos Valley likely will edge out the Acadiana Cane Cutters for the final playoff spot.
By Lori Lyons, Rougarou Writer