LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- It was a pitching duel on Friday night between Texas State and Louisiana 's Ragin Cajuns in Game 1 of their Sun Belt Conference (SBC) weekend series.

Chase Morgan got the start on the bump Friday night and put on a clinic. The reigning SBC Freshman of the year allowed 2 hits and struck out 6 batters through 7 innings of work.

On the Bobcats' side, just as impressive of an outing from a fired-up Alex Valentin. The left-handed sophomore struck out 6 Cajuns through his 7.1 innings pitched Friday night.

This game remained scoreless through the 7th inning, and then momentum began to swing. Matthew Tippie came in relief of Valentin in the bottom of the 8th, and Louisiana saw their window of opportunity. Louisiana Head Coach Matt Deggs was considering pinch-hitting Carson Hepworth ahead of a pivotal at-bat in the game.

"I was pinch-hitting for him. he hadn't been announced. That's the only thing that saved us. I mean, Eddie had already written it down, the umpire. the guy I thought was going to be ready to hit obviously wasn't. So I was like, "Hep, get back up there, man." He made a great catch." Deggs said.

Instead of pinch-hitting Hepworth, Deggs let him head to the plate. The junior outfielder delivered in a big way, sending a two-run home run over the wall in left field and giving Louisiana the lead. Carson Hepworth says that's a moment that will stick with him for a very long time.

"Probably the coolest moment of my life. I'm not going to lie. The atmosphere here is just unmatched. It was so cool rounding the bases hearing everybody scream. And I was glad I could do it for the fans and for my guys." Hepworth said.

Matthew Holzhammer would close out the game, throwing 5 strikeouts in 2 innings for Louisiana.

Louisiana will return to play at ML "Tigue" Moore Field at Russo Park on Saturday for Game 2 of their weekend series. First pitch is set for 2:00 PM and the game will be broadcasted on ESPN+.

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