Bailey Deals as Baylor Completes Sweep, Defeats Loyola Marymount, 9-1

WACO, Texas – Baylor baseball (12-3) completed its sweep of Loyola Marymount (8-8) with a 9-1 victory on a cold and windy Sunday afternoon at Baylor Ballpark.

First baseman Jack Little (RSo.) reached base in three of his four plate appearances, scored two runs and recorded two RBIs. Second baseman Travis Sanders (RSo.) finished the contest 3-for-4 at the plate for his first multi-hit performance of the season.

Left-handed pitcher Carson Bailey (Fr.) made his first start in the weekend rotation and earned the win while collecting six strikeouts. He surrendered three free passes and three hits and allowed one run on 75 pitches, 48 of which were strikes.

“Anytime you only allow one run, you’re doing something right on defense and pitching the ball well,” head coach Mitch Thompson said post-game. “I thought our arms were very good. I thought getting Carson Bailey out there and starting him was good. … A really good baseball game. We played the game well. Tough day to hit, so our guys fought and made the most of the opportunities we had.”

The Bears got the scoring started in the first inning when Little drew a leadoff walk and later came around to score on an RBI double from designated hitter Hunter Simmons (RSr.). Simmons went 2-for-3 and scored two runs — his sixth multi-hit contest of the spring.

With the bases loaded in the following frame, Little fouled off six consecutive pitches before eventually drawing a 14-pitch walk. Right fielder Enzo Apodaca (RSr.) lined an RBI single through the left side and left fielder Wesley Jordan (Sr.) plated another run with a ground out to extend Baylor’s lead 4-0.

The Lions scored their lone run off Bailey in the fifth inning.

“It’s a dream to be able to start on the weekend as a freshman,” Bailey said. “It’s pretty rare for a freshman to do that, so I was very thankful. I was really well prepared and made sure to slow down and do my thing.”

The Bears added two more runs in the bottom of the frame after Sanders scorched a ball past shortstop for an RBI single, and center fielder Ty Johnson (Sr.) scored on a wild pitch. 

“It felt great to be out there,” Sanders said. “I haven’t gotten much playing time, but Thompson always told me to stay ready — be humble and ready to go. I got the nod today, and I was fortunate to be out there with my great teammates and put on a good show.”

In the sixth inning, Little blooped an RBI base knock into right field and later came around to score on an error to give Baylor an 8-1 lead. After leaving a combined 27 runners on base in the last games, the Bears left just five aboard on Sunday.

Veteran righty Cole Stasio (RSr.) pitched three scoreless frames in relief of Bailey. Stasio struck out one and allowed two baserunners. Right-handed pitcher Brayden Bergman (Fr.) made his collegiate debut in the ninth inning and struck out two.

Final: Baylor 9, Loyola Marymount 1

W: Carson Bailey (2-0) L: Johnny Casale (1-1)

POTG: Carson Bailey (5 IP, 3 H, R, ER, 2 BB, HBP, 6 K, 21 BF, 75 TP, 48 ST)

WHAT’S NEXT

The Bears (12-3) will round out its five-game homestand against Sam Houston (3-10) at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at Baylor Ballpark. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.