Cane Cutters News

 

The Cane Cutters are looking to build upon last year’s playoff run by re-signing two starters from the 2011 team while also adding two fresh arms to the pitching staff; each of them coming from the Nicholls State Colonels

 

Mike Barba, a 2011 Texas Collegiate League All-Star, makes his return to the outfield for the Cane Cutters. Barba was no stranger to success last season after being ranked at the top of nearly every offensive statistic. For the year, Barba posted a .260 batting average and drove in 16 runs on 47 hits.

 

To go along with his outstanding performance in the batter’s box, the junior outfielder was a nightmare on the base paths for opposing teams, registering 29 stolen bases. This placed him third, just behind Taylor Dugas, for tops in league. Consistency was the key to Barba’s achievements last season, playing in 51 of the team’s 58 games, including the playoffs.

 

Coach Lonny Landry comments: "We are glad to get Barba back. He has good speed and covers a lot of ground in the outfield, and he has really come along as a hitter since he quit football and has concentrated on baseball."

 

Barba’s success with the Cane Cutters last season has transitioned over nicely to Nicholls State for their 2012 baseball season. He is currently batting .272 with 18 runs batted in. He has also registered two home runs on the season. Continuing with his consistent play, Barba has made an appearance in each of the Colonels 40 games, starting 35 of those.

 

 Defensively Barba leads the Southland conference in fielding percentage, with zero errors committed on the season. This is an astonishing statistic considering that he has appeared in every game this season.

 

Joining Mike Barba in his return appearance to the Cane Cutters is last season’s starting first basemen, Adam Seal. Seal, a crowd favorite last season with the ever present seal sound bite played for every Adam Seal hit, looks to build on top of last season’s accomplishments. Seal, like Barba, proved his reliability to the coaching staff with 51 game appearances.

 

Joining the two veteran Cane Cutters, is junior right handed pitcher, Kelby Langston and freshman right handed pitcher, Merrick Ardoin. Langston, a native of Ruston, Louisiana, has made 2 appearances this season for the Colonels, holding opponents to a .250 on base percentage. Standing at 6’2, Langston’s strong arm will be an asset for Coach Lonnie and the Cane Cutters this coming season.

 

Merrick Ardoin is returning to familiar territory here in Lafayette. Ardoin played his high school baseball at Acadiana High School where he received first team all-district honors in 2011 and was an Under Armour Pre-Season All American in 2010. On the year, Ardoin has recorded a 2.08 earned run average in nine relief appearances. He has registered 15 strikeouts and is holding opponents to a .217 batting average.

 

The Cane Cutters will open the season Friday, June 1st when they take on the Alexandria Aces at Fabacher Field. Season tickets are on sale now through the Cane Cutters box office at Fabacher Field, 221 La Neuville Rd. Youngsville, Louisiana or by calling 337-451-6852. Be sure to like us on facebook at Acadiana Cane Cutters baseball and also follow us on twitter at CaneCuttersBB for all of your Acadiana Cane Cutters baseball news.