Seroski, UNO repels late Kansas rally for 4-3 win

NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers baseball team got four early runs and Caleb Seroski nailed down his first save of the year in a 4-3 win over the Kansas Jayhawks on Friday evening at Maestri Field to move the Privateers’ record to 4-0.

SHUTTING THE DOOR
Seroski, who was First Team All-Conference in the preseason, came in a tough spot with runners on first and second and no outs in the eighth inning. He proceeded to get out of the jam as he induced a line out into a double play off the bat of Cooper McMurray.

Oh my! Huuuuuge double play to end the top of the 8th and get out of a jam!

Privateers lead 4-3 heading to the 9th!#NOLAsTeam ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/JgUm7KDAcW

— New Orleans ⚾️ (@PrivateersBSB) February 26, 2022

In the ninth, Seroski gave up a lead-off single but that’s all he allowed for his closing act. The New Iberia native retired the next three batters in order and struck out Maui Ahuna to preserve a win in the Privateers’ first ever meeting against Kansas.

HOW IT HAPPENED
New Orleans wasted no time racing out to an early lead. Amani Larry ripped a double up the left field line with one out and Pearce Howard followed with a towering home run to right center, his first of the season.

The Privateers added another pair of runs in the second inning. Two fielder’s choices in the inning brough home the runs as Issac Williams and Jeissy De La Cruz each crossed the plate to build the Privateers’ advantage to 4-1.

After Brandon Mitchell went 4.0 innings, Tyler LeBlanc was again the Friday night first call out of the pen. The sophomore southpaw went 3.0 innings and allowed a run on two hits while securing his second win of the season.

INSIDE THE BOX
Larry continued his hot hitting ways as he went 2-for-4 with a run scored. Howard finished 3-for-4 with three RBI. His season RBI count is up to nine through four games. De la Cruz went 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Cole Larsen started for Kansas and allowed four runs (three earned) in 6.0 innings. Nolan Metcalf collected three hits and drove in a pair of runs. Casey Burnham went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.

NEXT UP
The series continues with a 2 p.m. first pitch on Saturday.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersBSB on Twitter, @PrivateersBSB on Instagram, like Privateers Baseball on Facebook and subscribe to the UNOPrivateers YouTube channel.