‍NORFOLK, Va. — The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns found their grit late and came through with a thrilling 6-5 extra-inning victory over Old Dominion Thursday night at Harbor Park. With the game tied after nine, a clutch RBI single by Drew Markle in the 10th inning pushed Louisiana ahead and sealed the win in a gritty Sun Belt Conference battle.

The Cajuns (18-22, 9-7 SBC) entered the ninth trailing 5-4, but a two-run outburst tied the game and set the stage for extra innings. Maddox Mandino’s leadoff single and two HBPs loaded the bases, and then Conor Higgs took one off the body to bring in a run. Carson Hepworth followed with a sac fly to tie it.

After torching Louisiana starter Chase Morgan early for four runs in the first three innings, the Monarchs (12-23, 7-9 SBC) couldn’t solve reliever Tate Hess, who threw 5.2 scoreless innings and struck out seven to earn the win. Closer Matthew Holzhammer worked a clean 10th for his third save.

Markle’s performance was emblematic of Louisiana’s resilience. He reached base four times, including two HBPs, a walk, and the game-winning RBI in the 10th. Higgs added two hits and two RBIs, while Hepworth knocked in a pair of runs as well, including the key ninth-inning sac fly.

Despite outhitting Louisiana 12-8, Old Dominion left 15 runners on base and committed three costly errors, two of which led directly to scoring chances for the Cajuns.

Old Dominion got three RBIs from Kyle Edwards, and Maverick Stallings added two more, but the Monarchs couldn’t capitalize late against Louisiana’s bullpen. Their final threat in the 10th fizzled after a fielding error put the tying run on base. A fielder’s choice and groundout ended the game.

With the win, Louisiana moves into sole possession of third place in the Sun Belt West standings, continuing to gain momentum as the postseason nears. The Cajuns and Monarchs continue the series Friday in Norfolk.

Notables:

• Tate Hess: 5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 7 K (Win, 4-2)
• Drew Markle: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 HBP, GW RBI single in 10th
• Conor Higgs: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, HBP
• Louisiana left 12 runners on base; ODU stranded 15

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