As the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns prepare to host Arkansas State in a critical Sun Belt baseball series, Ragin’ Review welcomed in Red Wolves head coach Mike Silva for an in-depth and candid conversation. With postseason hopes still alive for his squad, Coach Silva offered perspective on the challenges and growth of his program while paying tribute to the talent, tradition, and intensity of Cajun baseball.

Respect for the Past, Vision for the Future

Silva began by acknowledging his predecessor, longtime Arkansas State coach Tommy Raffo. While Silva inherited a few veteran pieces, he was quick to point out that stepping into the job meant making the program his own. “You just kind of dig in,” he said, emphasizing the daily grind of evaluating the roster and building something competitive.

Having logged prior Sun Belt experience as an assistant at Texas State and Little Rock, and having faced the Cajuns numerous times as head coach at Nicholls, Silva was already well aware of the rigors of life in the league. “You don’t get any breaks,” he said of the Sun Belt. “The difference between the top and bottom is razor thin. Every weekend, you better be ready.”

Playing at the Tigue: A Challenge and a Privilege

When asked about facing Louisiana in Lafayette, Silva didn’t hesitate. “It’s a special place in college baseball,” he said. “The fans, the environment — it’s always fun but definitely challenging. You have to be ready for everything.” He praised Coach Matt Deggs’ high-octane approach, citing the chaos the Cajuns create on the basepaths and their relentless intensity.

Silva knows exactly what it takes to hang in a game against Louisiana: “You’ve got to match their intensity. You’ve got to handle the baseball. And when you get chances to get outs, you’ve got to cash them in.”

A Program on the Rise

Though Arkansas State’s win-loss record may not reflect it, Silva believes his team has made serious strides. Close games against Troy and Coastal Carolina showed the Red Wolves could compete with the Sun Belt’s best. “We might not always play well, but our guys compete,” Silva said. “That’s what I’m most proud of.”

Silva’s five-year vision? “To be in the top third of the league and compete for Sun Belt titles.” He’s not content with moral victories. “I’m not showing up to work to finish at the bottom.”

Arms and Bats: Who to Watch This Weekend

Silva acknowledged that his weekend rotation is in flux — the Red Wolves are in “win-now” mode, and the plan is to manage the series like a postseason scenario. Expect to see Gavin Galy get the ball, but bullpen depth is the real strength.

“We built the team back to front,” Silva said. “Chase Richter finishes games for us, and we’ve got 10 or 11 guys we trust. It’s all about short bursts and turning it over.”

Offensively, Silva highlighted Ashton Quiller, Wil French, and Cross Jumper — his top three hitters. “That’s the tone-setters right there,” he said. “They defend, they hit, they lead. Usually when they play well, we play well.”

He also praised the growth of the bottom half of the lineup, saying recent weeks have shown signs of depth and consistency despite facing elite arms like Southern Miss and Troy.

Key to Victory Against the Cajuns?

“Don’t give them free passes,” Silva emphasized. “You’ve got to collect outs, avoid big innings, and create a couple of big innings of your own. Two-out execution is everything.”

He also underscored the mental side of playing at “The Tigue.” The fans, the food, the noise — it’s all part of the South Louisiana experience. “They’ll wear you out during the game,” he laughed. “But after the game, they’re the nicest people you’ll ever meet.”

Silva, who spent time in Thibodaux while coaching at Nicholls, is expecting a warm welcome — and maybe a few Cajun plates — this weekend. “I’m looking forward to getting back and seeing some close friends,” he said. “There’s nothing like South Louisiana.”

Final Thoughts

As Arkansas State and Louisiana square off with postseason implications on the line, Mike Silva’s squad is far from an easy out. The Red Wolves are gritty, well-coached, and fully aware of the stakes.

“I love competing against Deggs,” Silva said. “It’s always a challenge — but it’s a fun challenge.”

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