Bears comeback falls short to open series with Nunez

Thursday, April 2, 2026: Baseball 

Baton Rouge, LA

The Baton Rouge Bears faced off against the Nunez Pelicans this evening at Pete Goldsby Field, kicking off their four-game conference series. Unfortunately for the Bears, a late comeback attempt fell short as the Pelicans claimed victory in game one of the series, 9-6.

The Pelicans were the first to get on the scoreboard, scoring a run in the first inning. They capitalized on a Bears walk and two wild pitches to plate their opening run. The Bears responded promptly in the bottom of the inning, scoring two runs to take a 2-1 lead. Keegan Kelsey led off with an infield single, and Kenneth Berard followed with a sacrifice bunt to move Kelsey to second base. Trent Laporte then hit a single up the middle, putting Bears on the corners. Brayden Bertucci delivered a single to left field that scored Kelsey, giving the Bears their first run. Brecken Bordelon followed with a single to right field, loading the bases, and Cayden Vice capped the scoring for the inning with a single to left field that brought Laporte home.

However, the Pelicans quickly reclaimed the lead in the top of the third inning with two runs, making it 3-2. They kept their offensive momentum going with two more runs in the fourth inning and three in the fifth, extending their lead to 8-2. The Bears managed to score a run in the fifth, allowing them to inch closer at 8-3. Keegan Kelsey drew a walk and scored on a double by Trent Laporte.

The Pelicans added a run in the sixth inning, pushing their lead to 9-3. The Bears mounted a rally in the bottom of the seventh, scoring three runs but ultimately falling short as the Pelicans held on for the 9-6 win. Kenneth Berard led off with a double to left field and was replaced by Cade Israel. Brayden Bertucci drew a walk, and Cayden Vice hit a double to center field, driving in both Israel and Bertucci. Hudson Heltz added an infield single, and Peyton Chiasson, pinch-hitting, recorded a single to right field to bring Vice home.

Scott Recile took the mound for the Bears and was credited with the loss, pitching three innings and allowing five runs (three earned) on three hits, while walking five and striking out one. James T. Lewis (1.2 innings), Cole Cranford (1.1 innings), and Chandler Moreau (1.0 innings) provided relief for the Bears. E. Fuselier started for the Pelicans and earned the victory, pitching 5.2 innings and allowing two runs on eight hits, with two walks and five strikeouts. M. Newfield contributed in relief for the Pelicans.

Baton Rouge outhit Nunez 13 to 12, with the Bears committing one error during the game.

Bears Highlights:

- Keegan Kelsey: 2 for 3, 2 runs, 1 walk

- Kenneth Berard: 1 for 3

- Trent Laporte: 2 for 4, 1 run, 1 RBI

- Brayden Bertucci: 1 for 3, 1 run, 1 walk, 1 RBI

- Brecken Bordelon: 1 for 3

- Cayden Vice: 4 for 4, 1 run, 3 RBIs

- Hudson Heltz: 1 for 4

- Peyton Chiasson: 1 for 1

With this loss, the Bears' record falls to 4-31, while the Pelicans improve to 16-13. According to historical records, Baton Rouge leads the all-time series against Nunez with 24 wins compared to 22 losses. 

Up Next:

The Bears and the Pelicans will continue their series tomorrow, Friday, April 3, with a pair of games starting at 1 PM at Pete Goldsby Field.

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