Cajuns Host Bobcats in Key Sun Belt Series

Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns are back home this weekend at M. L. "Tigue" Moore Field this weekend and will face a group of talented arms as they play host to the Bobcats of Texas State in a three game Sun Belt Conference Series.

Game times are set for 6pm Friday and Saturday and 1pm on Sunday.

The Cajuns (37-5, 16-2 Sun Belt) hold a three game lead over Arkansas State.  Texas State (23-18, 11-7) is coming off a three game sweep of Georgia State and sits in third place in the league.

The Cajuns are expected to start Austin Robichaux (5-2, 3.14 ERA) on Friday.  It will be Robichaux's first starting assignment since March 29th.  Robichaux appeared out of the bullpen and was credited with the win last Saturday at UT Arlington.  Robichaux, who was sidelined with tendonitis, will be on a strict pitch count and will probably go no more than five innings.

Carson Baranik (8-0, 2.78) will move back to his regular Saturday slot, while senior Cody Boutte (5-0, 2.91) will start on Sunday.

The Cajuns will face a very good pitching staff, as Texas State leads the Sun Belt in ERA in conference games (the Cajuns are first in ERA overall).  Austen Williams (6-1. 2.58), the league's leader in ERA will pitch Friday night for Ty Harrington's Bobcats.  Taylor Black (2-4, 3.22) will throw on Saturday, while Lucas Humpal (3-3, 3.59) is Sunday's scheduled starter.  All three are right handed pitchers and all three are in the top ten in ERA in conference games.  Hunter Lemke (5-3, 3.55, 9 saves) leads the Bobcats' bullpen.

Texas State struggled to score runs early in the season, but have hit the ball much better in league play (.279) than they have overall (.252).  Garrett Mattlage (.310 overall, .375 Sun Belt)  leads the club in hitting..  Cory Geisler (.295, .360) also doubles as one of Texas State's better bullpen arms (3-0, 1.84).  Opponents are hitting .198 against the lefty.  Granger Studdard leads the team in home runs with five, all of them coming in league play.

The series features the two best pitching teams in the league.  Runs could be at a premium at the "Tigue" this weekend.