LAFAYETTE, La. (Interstat) — Missouri State capitalized on early opportunities and rode a strong start from pitcher Michael Yusypchuk to defeat Louisiana-Lafayette 8-2 in the season opener for both teams Friday at M.L. Tigue Moore Field.

The Bears, who were projected as underdogs by Interstat’s ELO system, scored once in the first inning and broke the game open late to hand the Ragin’ Cajuns a defeat in a game they had a 59.4% probability to win.

Missouri State struck quickly against Louisiana-Lafayette starter Bryce Wilson. Leadoff hitter Roessler singled and later scored on an RBI double down the left-field line by Gollert. The Bears loaded the bases but could not further capitalize, leaving the score at 1-0.

That lone run proved sufficient for Yusypchuk, who earned the win with six shutout innings. He allowed just three hits and three walks while striking out four, effectively working around traffic. The Ragin’ Cajuns put runners on in each of the first three innings but could not score, with Yusypchuk inducing a double play in the sixth to end their best early threat.

The Bears added to their lead in the fifth when Carter launched a solo home run to left field, making it 2-0. The game remained tight until the eighth, when Missouri State’s offense erupted. Bogenpohl led off the inning with a solo homer to right-center, and two batters later, Atkinson followed with another solo shot to right, pushing the advantage to 4-0.

Louisiana-Lafayette finally broke through in the bottom of the eighth against the Bears’ bullpen. Pinch-hitter Kasen Bellard walked, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt error, and scored on a groundout by Rodriguez. After a pitching change, catcher Colton Brown delivered an RBI double to left-center, plating Mandino to cut the deficit to 4-2.

Missouri State responded immediately, putting the game out of reach with a four-run ninth inning. The Bears sent 10 men to the plate, scoring on a bases-loaded walk by Carter, a hit-by-pitch from pinch-hitter Fyffe, and a two-run double from Gollert. The rally extended the lead to 8-2, which proved final.

Garret Carter took the loss for Louisiana-Lafayette, allowing two runs on three hits over four innings of relief. The Ragin’ Cajuns managed only four hits as a team and struck out 10 times. Brown and Rigoberto Hernandez were the only Louisiana-Lafayette players to reach base twice.

The most important part of the game was Missouri State’s immediate response to Louisiana-Lafayette’s only scoring threat in the eighth inning. After the Cajuns scored twice to cut the lead to 4-2 and seized momentum, the Bears’ offense silenced the home crowd by batting around in the top of the ninth, scoring four runs on three hits, two walks, and a hit batter to secure the victory.

With the win, Missouri State opens its season 1-0, while Louisiana-Lafayette starts 0-1. The teams continue their three-game series Saturday afternoon.