By Lori Lyons, Rougarou Writer
For the second night in a row, the Baton Rouge Rougarou jumped to an early lead, added to it then held on, taking a 9-5 win over the Brazos Valley Bombers Sunday night at Travis Field.
The Rougarou (7-4) used only two pitchers in the victory. Starter Camden Chalfant threw five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out four to pick up the win. Closer Hayden Oglesby threw four innings, giving up two runs, two hits – one a 2-run home run — walking none and striking out two.
Once again, the Rougarou batters were aggressive at the plate, knocking 12 hits off of five Brazos Valley pitchers. They also stole six times. Derrald Moore Jr. was 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. He also stole twice. Jackson Walker was 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two stolen bases. T. J. Grines led off the game with a double. Will Safford tripled. Davis Meche and Mozell Little III also added hits. Josh Shelly did not start, but hit an RBI ground rule double as a pinch-hitter in the seventh.
Baton Rouge set the tone early, scoring three runs in the first inning on two hits, an error, and a pair of walks. They added two more runs in the third inning on a pair of hits, including Safford’s leadoff triple, and a walk. Another run scored in the fifth inning to put the Rougarou ahead 6-0.
“We jumped out 6-0 early with timely hitting and the running game,” Rougarou coach Jeff “Rooster” Southall said. “We were able to get guys on and steal some bases. That helped us put pressure on early. The pitching was efficient and I was able to extend Chalfant, which he needed as a starter. Ogelsby pitched very well the last three innings. ”
The Bombers scored three runs in the fifth on four hits and one Rougarou error. They added two runs in the sixth on a 2-run home run by Christian Smith Johnson.
The Rougarou have won four of their last five games during a 7-game stretch.
“I’m very pleased with that and I want to finish strong tomorrow in Seguin and then back in Baton Rouge on Tuesday,” Southall said.
The Rougarou wrap up their Texas trip Monday night at Seguin before returning to Pete Goldsby Field on Tuesday night to play the Victoria Generals. They will have Wednesday and Thursday off before hitting the road again Friday to Victoria.