Box Score New Orleans, LA. – Tulane University pitching staff collected 10 strikeouts to lead the Green Wave to a 7-0 victory over the University of Arkansas of Pine Bluff (UAPB) in the season opener for both programs on Friday night at Greer Field at Turchin Stadium.
UAPB were without some key starters heading into today's contest against a Tulane. The Lions were shorthanded but made some good strives heading into this weekend series.
J.P. Frances recorded seven scoreless innings to start the season with a win for Tulane (1-0). He scattered three hits on the night and struck out nine batters. Tyler Zamjahn and Troy Ward pitched one scoreless innings of relief.
Andrew Gardner and Stephen Alemais went 4-for-2 with two runs to lead the Green Wave offense.
In the first inning, Richard Carthon was hit by a pitch which brought up Stephen Alemais, who drove a double down the left-field line in the bottom of the first, to allow Carthon to come home to put Tulane on the scoreboard first.
Jake Rogers stretched the Green Wave lead after being walked, then stole second base and was drove in with a single from Carthon. Tulane scored runs in four of the first five innings, to jump out to a 7-0 lead heading into the six innings.
UAPB (0-1) threatened in the top of the eighth inning. With two outs,
the Lions had two consecutive hits.
Jerimiah Figuero had a single, followed by
Mitch Bruckshaw with a liner to center field, but the runners would soon advance to second and third off a pass ball. Tulane defense would step up by catching a line drive to the short stop from
Rashawn Tillman to end the inning.
Kirby Campbell led the way for the Golden Lions going 4-for-2. Mike Wieland,
Mitch Bruckshaw, and Jerimiah Figueroa recorded the hits for UAPB.
Kyle Schwartz (0-1) didn't have his best game, surrendered seven earned runs on seven hits over 4.1 innings of work. The senior right-hander struck out three batters and only walked one.
The two teams take the field tomorrow Feb. 15, for a doubleheader, with first pitch for Game 1 scheduled for 10:30 a.m. The series will conclude on Sunday with a 1 p.m. start time as well
