Sixth inning explosion gives Demons win over Tulane

NEW ORLEANS - A two-out, two-run double by Matt Baca sparked a five-run inning that gave the Northwestern State baseball team a 5-1 win over Tulane Wednesday afternoon in non-conference action.

Toby Cornejo opened up the NSU (7-7) sixth inning with a single to left field and advanced to second base on a Matt Burns sacrifice bunt.  Will Watson reached base on a hit by pitch before Nick Purdy grounded out to advance both runner up a bag. 

Matt Baca doubled to clear the bases and Nathan Lyons hit an infield single that put a man on first and third. Brinson knocked in Baca on a single, and Zack Costa drove in Lyons and Brinson on a one-bagger.

"We haven't scored in a couple games, so the five-run inning was much needed for us," said first-year head coach Lane Burroughs. "Baca had a big double that really helped get the ball rolling."

Cody Butler (1-0) got the start and win for NSU on seven innings pitched and allowed only one run on five hits.  Nick Helmstetter and Steven Spann each pitched an inning in relief.

"It's the fourth game in a row we've had a quality start from our pitchers," said Burroughs. "Butler came out and gave us everything he had, and we could ask for anything more. Helmstetter and Spann were solid and helped us keep a lead."

Randy LeBlanc (0-1) took the loss on 5.2 innings pitched. He allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and two strikeouts. 

Brady Wilson worked 3.1 innings for the Green Wave and allowed two runs on four hits.

Tulane scored its lone run in the third inning on a Sean Potkay single that scored Tim Yandel.

Cort Brinson and Will Watson each had two hits and a run. Every Demon that was in the starting lineup had at least one base-knock.

The Demons will return home to open a three-game weekend series against Louisiana-Monroe at home on Friday at 6:30, but will play the Saturday and Sunday games in Monroe.