LCU topples Centenary, 12-2, ahead of three-game series at LSU-Shreveport on Saturday

PINEVILLE – Louisiana Christian University’s baseball team ceded two runs to Centenary (La.) and then cruised to 12-2 victory in seven innings Wednesday on account of the mercy rule.

Nick Lorio went 5-for-5 with four RBIs and Ju’Juan Franklin added drove in three runs on two singles as the Wildcats improved their season record to 23-7.

Centenary, an NCAA Division III program and the defending Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference champion, fell to 12-7 with the loss. The Gents’ starting nine Wednesday had combined for only five total at-bats through the team’s first 18 games.

Drake Angeron scored four runs for the ‘Cats, while Lorio, Adrian Aguilar, and Nick Moreau scored two runs apiece. LCU catcher Jonathan Soto Larrion doubled home two during LCU’s six-run fifth inning.

Chase Gardner picked up the win on the mound for the ‘Cats, tossing two innings. Six different LCU pitchers appeared in the game; Cortlynn Ramirez allowed only a walk during his complete third inning, while Cy Fontenot, Dylan Beier, Beau Hebert, and Gavin Corzine all recorded 1-2-3 innings.

The Wildcats return to action Saturday, April 1, when they open a big three-game series at LSU–Shreveport in a battle of the two teams tied for first place in the Red River Athletic Conference. First pitch in Saturday’s doubleheader is scheduled for 2 p.m.