UL Baseball Coach Deggs Ejected in Series Loss to JMU

Cajuns drop two of three games after coach's heated outburst in finale

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:56am

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The University of Louisiana baseball team dropped its weekend series against James Madison University, losing Games 2 and 3 after winning the opener. In the finale, UL coach Matt Deggs was ejected in the fourth inning for charging toward the JMU dugout following a controversial play, but the Cajuns were unable to mount a comeback and lost 5-1.

Why it matters

The series loss is a setback for the Cajuns, who are now 4-8 in Sun Belt Conference play and struggling to keep pace in the race for the conference tournament. Deggs' ejection and the viral video of the incident have also drawn attention to the team's frustrations and the heated nature of college baseball rivalries.

The details

In the series opener on Thursday, the Cajuns won 5-4 behind home runs from Lee Amedee and Donovan LaSalle. But Louisiana blew a 5-2 lead in the eighth inning of Friday's 6-5 loss in 11 innings, and then managed just one run in Saturday's 5-1 defeat. In the finale, the trouble started when UL outfielder Maddox Mandino collided with the JMU first baseman on a play at the bag, leading to his ejection. Deggs then charged toward the Dukes' dugout, drawing his own ejection as the umpires had to physically restrain him.

  • The series took place from April 4-6, 2026.
  • Deggs' ejection occurred in the fourth inning of the April 6 finale.
  • Louisiana's next game is a midweek matchup against Southeastern Louisiana on April 9.

The players

Matt Deggs

The head coach of the University of Louisiana baseball team, who was ejected from the April 6 game against James Madison University for charging toward the opposing dugout.

Maddox Mandino

A University of Louisiana outfielder who was ejected from the April 6 game against James Madison University for a collision at first base.

Lee Amedee

A University of Louisiana player who hit a home run in the series opener against James Madison University and reached base four times in the April 6 finale.

Conner Worth

A James Madison University player who hit a two-run double in the eighth inning of the April 6 game to help seal the Dukes' victory.

Ty Roman

The University of Louisiana starting pitcher in the April 6 finale, who settled in after a rough first inning and completed a season-high six innings.

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What’s next

The Cajuns will look to bounce back on Wednesday when they travel to Hammond, Louisiana to face Southeastern Louisiana.

The takeaway

This series loss is a setback for the Cajuns, who are now struggling to keep pace in the Sun Belt Conference standings. The heated incident involving coach Matt Deggs has also drawn unwanted attention to the team, underscoring the intense rivalries and emotions that can boil over in college baseball.