Privateers finish sweep of Alabama A&M with run rule victory

NEW ORLEANS – Collin Loupe had a four-hit day and Mitchell Sanford drove in four runs on three extra base hits as the New Orleans Privateers defeated the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 14-4 in seven innings on Sunday at Maestri Field to complete the sweep.

The Privateers fell behind after the top of the first inning when Jared Tribett doubled in a run. The lead was short lived for the Bulldogs as New Orleans came back with three runs in their half of the first inning.

The first two came when Sanford pounced on the first pitch from starter, Jackson Hall and sent it over the right field wall for a two-run homer. New Orleans added another run on an RBI single by Victor Castillo.

New Orleans scored two more in the third to extend their lead to 5-1 but the Bulldogs threatened a comeback in the middle innings. They scored a run in the fourth and one more in the fifth to cut the Privateer lead to 5-3.

The game was put out of reach by the Privateers in the bottom of the fifth though as they plated five runs. Miguel Useche had a two-run single and Sanford delivered a two-run double as part of the inning that pushed the lead to 10-3.

In the sixth, Maika Niu parked his second home run of the weekend. Niu sent one to left field that went over the fence and got the Privateer lead to double figures after six innings.

Alabama A&M scored a run in the top of the seventh to momentarily avoid the run rule. However, the Privateers loaded the bases on three walks and Loupe sent his fourth hit through the right side of the infield to end the game early.

Since it reverted to a seven-inning game because of the run rule, Seroski got the win. He went four innings and allowed two runs while recording four strikeouts. The loss went to Hall (0-3).

INSIDE THE BOX
After 11 games, Sanford has 11 extra base hits and 18 RBI. Castillo reached base all four times and had two RBI. Useche was 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs. Jack Williams threw 1.2 scoreless innings of relief.

Tribett, Zak Rice and Jesus Riera all had two hits and an RBI. Alex Diaz went 1-for-3 with two runs scored for the Bulldogs.

NEXT UP
The Privateers head to Mobile to face South Alabama on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

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