Olivier’s stellar outing propels Privateers past Islanders in SLC tourney

HAMMOND, La. – Chris Olivier retired 19 of his final 20 batters faced over 8.2 innings and the New Orleans Privateers rallied late for a 7-4 victory over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders on Thursday afternoon.

The Privateers will play Friday at noon in a rematch against Southeastern.

The Islanders jumped ahead with three runs in the first inning including a two-run triple from Chance Reisdorph. Olivier came in and within two batters, got a double play ball to get the Privateers out of the inning.

He then set sail for the remainder of the game with pinpoint command that held the Islanders to just four hits. He struck out four batters and threw 76 of his 116 pitches for strikes while securing his second win of the season.

New Orleans got on the board with a run in the third inning as Miguel Useche etched his name in the record books. His 54th career double brought in the first run and tied him with Scott Schwaner for the career program record, which had stood alone since 1985.

The Privateers were trailing 4-2 when they got to the eighth inning. Facing Riley Hunsaker, New Orleans got some hustle plays. The first was when Bryce Calloway legged out an infield single which followed a walk drawn by Alexander Saunier.

Two batters later, Dylan Mach drove in a run on an RBI fielder’s choice. Then Issac Williams came to the plate and hit a single through the left side which scored Maika Niu to tie the game at 4-4.

New Orleans surged ahead when Diego Villescas drove a ball deep enough to right field for a sacrifice fly that scored Mach. Another run was added to the newfound lead as Mitchell Sanford singled to left.

The Privateers added a run of insurance in the ninth inning when Niu hit a one-out triple and scored on a Mach sac fly.

New Orleans now has 31 sac flies this season, one shy of tying their single season program record set in 1991.

New Orleans is now 2-0 in the Southland Tournament against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and they are 4-0 when facing elimination on day two of the tournament since joining the Southland.

INSIDE THE BOX
Useche, Sanford and Bryce Calloway each had two hits. Victor Castillo went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run. Niu went 3-for-5 with two runs and Williams went 3-for-5 with two RBI. The Privateers out-hit the Islanders 14-5.

Jack Hill got the start for the Islanders and surrendered one run while recording five strikeouts in three innings. Hunsaker gave up four runs and took the loss. Reisdorph was the only Islander with more than one hit on the day.

2024 North Oaks Health System Southland Conference Baseball Championship
May 22-25, 2024 | Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field | Hammond, America

Wednesday, May 22
Game 1 – No. 5 McNeese 10, No. 4 Northwestern State 5
Game 2 – No. 8 UIW 6, No. 1 Lamar 3
Game 3 – No. 2 Nicholls 14, No. 7 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 2 (7 Innings)
Game 4 – No. 6 Southeastern 10, No. 3 New Orleans 2

Thursday, May 23
Game 5 – Lamar 12, Northwestern State 5 (NSU eliminated)
Game 6 – New Orleans 7, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 4 (AMCC eliminated)
Game 7 – McNeese 6, UIW 2
Game 8 – Nicholls 5, Southeastern 4 (10 Innings)

Friday, May 24
Game 9 – Lamar vs. UIW, 9 a.m. (Elimination game) | ESPN+
Game 10 – New Orleans vs. Southeastern, Noon (Elimination game) | ESPN+ | 106.1 The Ticket
Game 11 – McNeese vs. Game 9 Winner, 4 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 12 – Nicholls vs. Game 10 Winner, 7 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 25
Game 13 – Winner of Game 11 vs. Game 11 Loser (if necessary), TBD | ESPN+
Game 14 – Winner of Game 12 vs. Game 12 Loser (if necessary), TBD | ESPN+
Game 15 – Winner of Game 13 vs. Winner of Game 14 (if necessary), TBD | ESPN+

WE ARE YOUR KREWE
For 54 seasons, Privateer student-athletes have had the unique experience of wearing New Orleans across their chests. Like the city itself, our sports teams have been fueled by resiliency, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation’s biggest celebration each year. And much like a Mardi Gras parade krewe, we are tethered to our community through pride, tradition, a culture of acceptance, and finally our commitment to show that New Orleans is a world-class city to live, learn, play and work. We invite you to become more involved with the only University that truly represents New Orleans all day, every day. Join #NOLAsTeam, We Are Your Krewe!

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SOCIAL MEDIA
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