The 2026 Sun Belt Conference Baseball Championship is set to begin with a high‑stakes showdown as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns prepare to meet Marshall in the tournament’s opening round.
Louisiana entered the championship with the No. 7 seed after a decisive 2‑1 series victory over No. 24 Coastal Carolina, a performance that underscored the team’s resilience and depth.
Their opponent, the No. 10 seeded Marshall Thundering Herd, brings a familiar narrative into the mix; a year ago Marshall eliminated the Cajuns from the postseason, adding an extra layer of motivation for Louisiana.
Junior right‑hander Cody Brasch is expected to take the mound for Louisiana, having logged a solid season and showing the poise needed for a single‑elimination environment.
The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 19, at Dabos Park in Montgomery, Alabama, and will be streamed live on ESPN+, giving fans a convenient way to follow the action.
Beyond the immediate matchup, the tournament bracket includes a full slate of games, each accompanied by streaming links and radio broadcasts, ensuring comprehensive coverage for followers of Sun Belt baseball.
A Look at the Historical Edge
Louisiana holds a 6‑2 advantage in the all‑time series against Marshall, having outscored the Herd 6‑2 in Lafayette and 3‑0 in Charleston, a testament to the Cajuns’ consistent performance in neutral sites.
The most recent encounter came on April 14, 2024, when Louisiana posted a 2‑0 win, while Marshall’s last triumph over the Cajuns was a high‑scoring 17‑13 decision on May 32, 2025.