NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Privateers got a strong start from Colton Mercer and an offensive outburst in a 14-4 win after seven innings against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Friday night at Maestri Field.
Mercer was in command early and often as he kept the Bulldogs off balance at the plate. He started his night with four strikeouts through two innings. Mercer finished it off with nine strikeouts, a new mark in a Privateer uniform.
The offense gave Mercer plenty of run support early. It started with a two-run first inning. The first of three extra base hits by Mitchell Sanford put runners on second and third. Alexander Saunier followed with a sac fly RBI to bring the first run across. A second scored when Sanford came home on a wild pitch.
New Orleans sailed further into the distance with a five-run third inning. That was capped off with the first of two home runs to deep right field by Victor Castillo who became the first Privateer this season with a multi-homer game. Castillo also went deep in the fifth inning which gave the Privateers a 10-0 lead.
Facing a run rule, the Bulldogs delayed that after they got on the board with four runs in the seventh. The first two men got aboard in the inning. Then Dre Amaral hit an RBI single to get Alabama A&M on the board. The Bulldogs wound up scoring four runs on two hits and one Privateer error in the frame.
New Orleans came back with four of their own to wrap up the game early in the bottom of the seventh. Sanford tripled to left center which scored a pair of runs. After an RBI ground out by Saunier, the Privateers loaded the bases with two hits and a walk. Collin Loupe drew a bases loaded walk that brought in the fourth run of the inning which finished the game.
INSIDE THE BOX
Five Privateers had multi-hit games. Sanford was 3-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. Castillo also added three hits and three RBI. Maika Niu and Diego Villescas each had two hits and two runs. Isaac Williams was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run.
Brycen Hammonds had two of the Bulldogs’ five hits. Evan Hurlburt was pressed into action early and played 4.1 innings in relief.
NEXT UP
The series continues with a 2 pm first pitch on Saturday.
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 resilience, grit, and the unquenchable desire to win. Our city also houses the nation’s biggest celebration each year. And like much 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!
Visit UNOPrivateers.com/signup to stay connected and follow us @UNOPrivateers on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @PrivateersBSB on Twitter/X, @PrivateersBSB on Instagram, like Privateers Baseball on Facebook and subscribe to the UNOPrivateers YouTube
Tags: Mercers Strong Start Early Offensive Surge Key Run Rule Win Alabama
