The Bears walk off the Pels to survive and advance in tournament

Friday, May 8, 2026: Baseball 

Westwego, LA 

The Baton Rouge Bears and the Nunez Pelicans faced off this evening in an elimination game of the Region XXIII Division I Baseball Tournament at Segnette Field in Westwego, Louisiana. After a long day of weather delays, the Bears managed to secure a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory over the Pelicans in a classic pitchers' duel. 

Neither team was able to generate offense in the first four innings, with both sides getting runners on base but failing to deliver timely hits. Outstanding pitching and defense prevented scoring opportunities for both teams. The Bears struck first in the bottom of the fifth inning when Cooper Martin led off with an infield single. He advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Hudson Heltz. Cayden Vice reached on a fielder's choice, and Martin scored due to a throwing error by the Pelicans. After five innings, the Bears held a 1-0 lead. 

The Pelicans tied the game in the top of the eighth inning, capitalizing on two walks and a single by C. Stelly. 

The Bears refused to back down, with Trent Laporte leading off the ninth inning with a single to left field. He was replaced on the bases by pinch runner Aiden Washington. Cooper Martin executed a sacrifice bunt to move Washington to second base. The Pelicans then intentionally walked Hudson Heltz. With two outs, Cayden Vice came to bat. During an attempted pick-off of Washington from second base, Fuselier's throw went into center field, allowing the speedy Washington to score the winning run for the Bears and advance them in the Region XXIII tournament. 

Tanner Cranford started on the mound for the Bears, pitching seven innings and allowing no runs on five hits while walking five and striking out nine. Cole Cranford (0.2 innings), James T Lewis (0.2 innings), and Joshua Jensen (0.2 innings) joined in relief for the Bears, with Joshua Jensen receiving credit for the victory. A. Ryan started for the Pelicans, pitching eight innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits, as well as walking one and striking out eight. He was charged with the loss, while E. Fuselier pitched 0.2 innings in relief for the Pelicans. 

Despite the Pelicans outhitting the Bears 6 to 5, Nunez committed four errors during the game. 

Bears Highlights:  

• Keegan Kelsey: 1 for 4  

• Brayden Bertucci: 1 for 4  

• Trent Laporte: 1 for 4  

• Cooper Martin: 1 for 3 with 1 run  

• Cayden Vice: 1 for 3 

With the victory the Bears improved to 6-48 on the season. With the loss, the Nunez Pelicans finish their season with a 24-24 record. Nunez leads the all-time series with 28 wins and 26 losses over Baton Rouge. 

Next Up: 

The Bears will face the loser of the Delgado vs. LSUE game, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, at 6 PM. The Bears' game will take place at 2 PM on Sunday, May 10, at Segnette Field in Westwego. 

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