Tulane Baseball Wins Season Opener Series Against LMU

Green Wave pitching and timely hitting lead to 6-2 victory in rubber match

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Tulane baseball team claimed the season-opening series against Loyola Marymount with a 6-2 win in the rubber match. Tulane's pitching staff struck out 19 batters, while the offense broke through with a four-run fifth inning and three home runs in the game.

Why it matters

This series win to open the season is an encouraging start for the Tulane baseball program as they look to build on their success from last year. The Green Wave's ability to overcome early missed opportunities and get strong performances from both their pitching and hitting will be key as they take on powerhouse UCLA next.

The details

Tulane right-hander Jack Frankel threw strikes early, retiring the first nine batters he faced before running into trouble in the fourth inning. LMU took a 1-0 lead, but Tulane responded with a four-run fifth, highlighted by two-run homers from catcher Hugh Pinkney and left fielder Tye Wood. The Tulane bullpen then shut down the Lions, with Jack Brafa, Sam Larson, and Jude Abbadessa combining for 5 innings of 1-run ball with 12 strikeouts.

  • Tulane took the series opener on Friday with a 9-run victory.
  • Tulane lost on Saturday before bouncing back to win the rubber match on Sunday.

The players

Jack Frankel

Tulane right-handed starting pitcher who threw four innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits with 5 strikeouts.

Hugh Pinkney

Tulane catcher who hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to give the Green Wave the lead.

Tye Wood

Tulane left fielder who also hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to extend Tulane's lead.

Jack Brafa

Tulane right-handed relief pitcher who threw 2 scoreless innings with 6 strikeouts to preserve the lead.

Jude Abbadessa

Tulane right-handed relief pitcher who earned the save with 2 strikeouts in the 9th inning.

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What’s next

Tulane will stay in Los Angeles to take on preseason #1 UCLA on Tuesday at 7:00 pm CST.

The takeaway

Tulane's ability to bounce back from a loss and get strong performances from both their pitching staff and offense is an encouraging sign as they prepare to face a top-ranked opponent in UCLA. The Green Wave's patience at the plate and power hitting will be key as they look to continue their strong start to the season.