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Lafayette Today
By the People, for the People
Baseball Bears Grab 8-2 win at Louisiana on Opening Day
Missouri State defeats Louisiana in season opener
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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The Missouri State Bears baseball team defeated the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns 8-2 on Opening Day. Pitcher Michael Yusypchuk threw six shutout innings, and the Bears offense hit five extra-base hits, including home runs from Charlie Carter and Caden Bogenpohl.
Why it matters
This win marks the 12th time in the last 15 seasons that the Missouri State Bears have won their season opener, showcasing the program's consistent success and competitiveness to start each new year.
The details
Yusypchuk (1-0) scattered just three singles across his six innings, leaving the game with a 2-0 lead thanks to an RBI double from Taeg Gollert in the first inning and a 433-foot home run from Charlie Carter in the fifth. The Bears then added two more home runs in the eighth inning from Bogenpohl and Bobby Atkinson to extend their lead. Louisiana scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth, but Missouri State responded with a four-run ninth inning to secure the 8-2 victory.
- The game was played on Friday, February 14, 2026.
- The series continues at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The players
Michael Yusypchuk
The starting pitcher for Missouri State, who threw six shutout innings to earn the win.
Taeg Gollert
A Missouri State player who hit an RBI double in the first inning.
Charlie Carter
A Missouri State player who hit a 433-foot home run in the fifth inning.
Caden Bogenpohl
A Missouri State player who made a highlight-reel catch in right-center field and also hit a solo home run in the eighth inning.
Bobby Atkinson
A Missouri State player who hit a home run in the eighth inning.
What’s next
The series between Missouri State and Louisiana continues at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
The takeaway
Missouri State's strong start to the season, with their 12th win in the last 15 season openers, demonstrates the program's consistent competitiveness and ability to win important early-season games.
