Stanford Opens Round Rock Classic with Win

The #4 Stanford University Cardinal (4-1) topped the University of Louisiana - Lafayette  Ragin Cajuns (3-2) by a score of 5-1 in the opening game of the Karbach Round Rock Classic.  Weather conditions were more in keeping with a football game, with overcast skies and temperatures in the 30’s. 

The raucous visiting fans from Louisiana though they were in for a good time when center fielder Max Marusak ripped a stand-up triple in the opening at-bat, and then scored on a single by the next batter, Tyler Robertson.  But Stanford starting pitcher  Alex Williams quickly settled down and retired the next three batters.    

Stanford responded in their half of the frame with a lead-off single by Eddie Park, and a two-run homer by catcher Kody Huff.  The Cardinal led 2-1. 

The Cardinal added to their margin in the third inning, starting with back-to-back singles by Adam Crampton and Park, putting runners at the corners with no out.  Tommy Troy’s infield grounder resulted in a double play, but scored Crampton, giving Stanford a 3-1 advantage. 

Stanford opened the fourth inning with Huff’s double down the left field line.  Huff advanced to third on a balk by Louisiana’ Tommy Ray, his second of the game, scored on Carter Graham’s sacrifice fly to center field. 

Stanford capped their scoring with Brett Barrera’s led-off homer in the eighth inning. 

Louisiana’s starting pitcher Ray suffered the loss in his first career start.  Ray allowed 4 runs on 5 hits in 4 innings, striking out 4 batters.  Relief pitcher Dylan Theut allowed 1 run on 2 hits in 3.1 innings, striking out 3 and walking 1 batter. 

Stanford starting pitcher Williams earned the win, yielding 1 run on 3 hits in 5 innings, striking out 6 batters.  The Cardinal sent 3 relief pitchers to the mound, scattering 2 hits, walking 1 batter, and striking out 4. 

Offensively Stanford was led by Huff and Barrera.  The Ragin Cajun were led by Marusak, who  left the game in the sixth-inning after injuring himself while swinging and missing a pitch.