LeBlanc fans nine but Privateers fall to Jackson State

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers were locked in an early pitchers’ duel but could not break through on the scoreboard as they lost 3-0 to the Jackson State Tigers on Friday evening at Maestri Field in the Andre Dawson Classic.

DECISIONS
Jesse Caver grabbed the win after throwing eight shutout innings with four hits and two walks allowed. Tyler LeBlanc took the loss as he allowed two runs on five hits in seven innings. Jonah Posey pitched the ninth for his first save of the season.

Both teams were scoreless through the first three innings as opportunities were at a premium. The Privateers (1-4) stranded seven runners on but did not have multiple runners on base in any inning on the night.

Jackson State (3-2) got on the board when Ty Hill hit a solo home run to deep left to get the Tigers on the board. LeBlanc quickly bounced back and retired the next three in order with two strikeouts.

The score remained that way until the seventh when the Tigers added another run. With two outs, Cesar Saavedra hit a dribbler up the third base line. He was later brought in on a double from Marcut Aterberry.

The Tigers added their final run of the evening on a squeeze play. With runners on the corners and one out, Saavedra put down a bunt that scored pinch runner, Jordon Smiley.

It was the first time the Privateers had been shut out by Jackson State since Apr. 1, 1999. The Tigers have now won four of the last five games in the series.

INSIDE THE BOX
Tyler Bischke and Kasten Furr each had two hits. Bischke also reached a third time on a walk in the ninth. LeBlanc landed one strikeout shy of tying a career-high as he fanned nine. Nolan Daniel pitched two innings and gave up a run on a hit with one strikeout.

NEXT UP
The Privateers will face Florida A&M on Saturday at 2 p.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA
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