LSU Shreveport thumps LCU, 13-2

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Christian University baseball team got a first inning home run from Keelyn Johnson as the Wildcats looked to keep things tight against #4 LSU Shreveport, but it would not be enough in a 13-2 seven-inning loss to the Pilots Friday night at Billy Allgood Field at Legacy Stadium.

After LSUS plated three runs in the top of the first on a two-RBI double and a squeeze bunt, the Wildcats got one of those back as Keelyn Johnson came up with two outs and belted a pitch to straight away center field for a solo shot to pull LCU back within 3-1.

However, things went away from the Wildcats as LSUS scored two in the top of the second to open the lead to four runs, and then in the fourth added five runs to bust the game open.

Trailing 13-1 heading to the bottom of the seventh inning and needing three runs to keep the game alive, Jacob Fowler led off with a base hit through the right side. Now with one out, Ty Morgan went through the hold between third and short to put runners on first and second. After a wild pitch moved the runners up, Adrian Aguilar skied a ball to center field, allowing Fowler to tag up and score. But the run that would force an eighth inning would not get on base and the game ended at the end of the seventh inning.

On a night where the bats couldn’t link hits together, Jacob Fowler feasted for the Wildcats, going three for three at the plate with a run scored. Keelyn Johnson’s first inning home run was his fourth dinger of the season, collecting his lone RBI and run scored in the contest as he went one-for-two in the game with a walk. Adrian Aguilar had LCU’s other RBI in the contest.

Brooks Southall (5-1) threw the first four innings and allowed 12 hits and ten runs, all earned, struck out three and walked two. Rett Bowman threw one inning and allowed two hits and two runs, both earned, with one walk and no strikeouts. Branon Pope threw an inning and gave up four hits and one run, which was earned, and struck out one with no walks. Jake Darrah finished the game by throwing the final inning and gave up no hits and no runs with one strikeout and two walks.

The Wildcats (19-7, 12-4 RRAC) and #4 Pilots (28-2, 15-1 RRAC) complete the series on Saturday with a doubleheader. First pitch of the first game of the twin bill is set for noon at Billy Allgood Field at Legacy Stadium.