Louisiana Baseball Opens 2026 Season Against Missouri State

By Fishbowl Sports LAFAYETTE, La. — The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns begin the 2026 baseball season Friday afternoon, welcoming Missouri State to M.L. Tigue Moore Field at Russo Park for a three-game opening series that features two programs looking to make early statements in a new season.

First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, with games continuing Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

The opener will be streamed on ESPN+, while all three games will be broadcast locally on KPEL-FM (96.5) and on the Varsity Network app.

Cajuns Seek Bounce-Back Season

Louisiana opens its 113th season of intercollegiate baseball aiming to rebound from a 27–31 finish in 2025, following an NCAA Regional Final appearance in 2024.

Head coach Matt Deggs retooled the roster in the offseason, adding 19 newcomers, including six experienced transfers from four-year programs: Donovan LaSalle, Steven Spalitta, Rigoberto Hernandez, Landon Victorian, Tyler Papenbrock and Cowan Alfonso.

The Cajuns return a core of productive hitters led by Lee Amedee (.285, 2 HR, 35 RBI), Owen Galt (.277), Jose Torres (.267, 2 HR, 35 RBI) and Drew Markle (.248). Maddox Mandino provides speed and versatility after stealing 17 bases in 18 attempts last season.

Louisiana’s early schedule heavily favors home games, with 12 of its first 13 contests in Lafayette. After the Missouri State series, the Cajuns will host Maryland and UC San Diego, along with midweek matchups against Kansas State and reigning national champion LSU.

Missouri State Brings Power, New Conference Identity

Missouri State enters the weekend transitioning into Conference USA after closing its final Missouri Valley Conference season in 2025 with a 30–25 overall record and a 17–8 league mark, capturing the program’s seventh regular-season conference championship.

The Bears were among the most dangerous offensive teams in the country last season, ranking seventh nationally in slugging percentage (.547) and 12th in total home runs (109). Since 2022, Missouri State ranks eighth nationally with 422 home runs, reflecting the program’s identity as one of the nation’s premier power-hitting lineups.

Missouri State’s roster includes 18 newcomers, highlighted by 11 transfers from four-year schools, two junior college additions and five freshmen. The current roster has combined for 102 career home runs at Missouri State, with four players having recorded double-digit home run seasons.

Picked sixth in the Conference USA preseason poll, the Bears are looking to establish themselves quickly in their new league.

Pitching Matchups Set the Tone

Friday’s opener features a marquee pitching matchup.

Louisiana will hand the ball to left-hander Ty Roman, who posted a 9–1 record and a 2.81 ERA in 2025, striking out 42 batters in 51.1 innings.

Missouri State counters with right-hander Michael Yusypchuk, who went 4–3 with a 5.83 ERA across 71 innings last season.

On Saturday, Louisiana is scheduled to start left-hander Andrew Herrmann (3–5, 4.99 ERA), while Missouri State has yet to announce its starter. Sunday’s finale will feature right-hander JR Tollett (6–4, 3.51 ERA) for the Cajuns.

Series Outlook

Louisiana holds a 2–0 advantage in the all-time series, including a 1–0 mark in Lafayette. The weekend series offers an early measuring stick for both programs — Louisiana looking to reassert itself at home, and Missouri State aiming to prove its offensive firepower translates against a Sun Belt contender.

With Mardi Gras festivities surrounding the Cajun Field complex, Louisiana Athletics has announced expanded parking and shuttle options for fans attending the season-opening series.