MONROE, La. – Louisiana’s starting pitcher Connor Cooke threw the first two-hit complete game shutout by a Ragin’ Cajun since 2014 in the team’s 9-0 victory against Arkansas State.
The Cajuns are now 20-11 overall and 7-1 in Sun Belt Conference play. They have now won eight straight games.
Cooke had a no-hitter going into the seventh inning for Louisiana. He gave up only two hits over his nine innings of work while striking out 12 without giving up a walk. The 12 strikeouts are the most by a Louisiana pitcher this season and a career-high for Cooke. He dominated Arkansas State all game, and secured the final three outs in the ninth inning to complete his shutout of the Red Wolves.
Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Matt Deggs praised his starter’s effort in the shutout.
“What can you say about the kid? He’s earned everything,” Deggs said. “He’s physical, he loves to compete and he’s putting it together at the right time. He’s probably the best pound-for-pound athlete on campus. I couldn’t be more proud of him.”
With Cooke controlling the game, Louisiana’s offense had another great performance.
The Cajuns loaded the bases in the second inning, and a wild pitch with two outs brought the first run of the game home. Connor Kimple continued the inning with an 11-pitch at-bat that ended in a two-out two-run double to give Louisiana an early 3-0 lead.
