SLU bounces back, beats HBU to win weekend series

HAMMOND, La. – Kade Granier held down HBU Sunday until Southeastern Louisiana could get the bats going as the Lions rebounded with an 8-2 win to claim the Southland Conference series at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

After stranding a runner at third base in the first inning, Southeastern (18-9, 7-2 Southland) got on the scoreboard with a two-out single in the second.

Kyle Schimpf, a junior from Covington, Louisiana, singled through the right side to lead off the inning. He advanced to second when designated hitter Preston Faulkner, a freshman from Denham Springs, Louisiana, was hit by a pitch with one out. Trenon Trosclair drove in Schimpf from second with a two-out single up the middle.

Trosclair, a senior from Eunice, Louisiana, also provided the Lions next run, smashing the first home run of his career, a solo shot to left field, with one out in the fourth.

The runs staked Granier to a 2-0 lead as he cruised through the HBU (9-15, 3-3 Southland) lineup. He did not allow a hit until the fourth. The runner was erased quickly, thrown out attempting to steal by catcher Evan Pace.

Granier allowed a second hit in the sixth, but that runner met with the same fate.

Southeastern tacked on a run in the bottom of the inning without a hit.

Drew Avans, a senior from Alabaster, Alabama, drew a leadoff walk. He stole second base and advanced to third when the catcher’s throw kicked into center field. He scored on a one-out sacrifice fly to right off the bat of Schimpf.

While Granier’s day ended after seven shutout innings, the Lion hitters continued to scrap away against HBU starting pitcher Brady Batten. After Evan Pace, a junior from Zachary, Louisiana, led off the seventh with a single to center, the Huskies went to the bullpen.

Reliever Matt Heck walked Trosclair, but not before Pace stole second. With two on, Heck uncorked a wild pitch to move both into scoring position. Cody Grosse drove in Pace with a fielder’s choice grounder to first.

With runners on the corners and no outs, Brennan Breaud beat out a bunt single to score Trosclair and chase Heck.

Avans greeted reliever Weston Smart with an RBI single through the right side. Heck, back in right field where he started the game, attempted to nail Breaud at third on the play, but instead set off a series of bad throws. His throw sailed past the third baseman, allowing Breaud to score and Avans to advance to second. Elijah Simon, the Huskies’ third baseman, attempted to get Breaud at the plate, but his throw sailed wide and allowed Avans to advance to third.

The next batter, Taylor Schwaner, chopped the ball back to the mound, allowing HBU to catch Avans in a rundown. Avans kept the play alive long enough for Schwaner to reach second base. Schwaner scored when Schimpf followed with an RBI single to right.

The Huskies scored twice in the ninth off Southeastern reliever Will Warren to break up the shutout. One of the runs was unearned after Schwaner dropped a ball in hand as he crossed the bag at third on a routine putout.

Granier (2-2) earned the win, tying a career high with nine strikeouts. The redshirt junior from Destrehan, Louisiana, scattered three hits and did not issue a walk. Batten (2-3) suffered the loss, allowing four runs – three earned – in 6.1 innings. He allowed five hits and one walk, striking out four.

Schimpf (2-for-3) and Trosclair (2-for-3) led the Lions at the plate, driving in two apiece.

Southeastern wraps up the homestand Tuesday at 6 p.m. with Fireworks at the Pat against Tulane. The game is also a Cane’s Challenge and Faculty / Staff Appreciation Night. For discounted tickets, Southeastern faculty and staff must contact the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office.

TICKETS
Single game tickets for Lion home games can be purchased online at www.LionSports.net/Tickets or by contacting the athletics ticket office at (985) 549-5466.

General Admission tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for children (ages 3-12). Tax is included in the price of admission. Southeastern students are admitted free with a valid university ID card.

Students, campus organizations and fans can earn points toward their Lion Up Loyalty account at any home game by checking in on the mobile app while in attendance.

THE MATT RISER SHOW
The third episode of the Matt Riser Show presented by North Oaks Health System airs Monday at 7 p.m. from Buddies’ Bar & Grill.

Hosted by Allen Waddell, the weekly show can be heard on flagship station KSLU 90.9 FM, in addition to Southeastern Sports Radio Network affiliates Kajun 107.1 FM, the Highway 104.7 FM and WFPR 1400 AM.

The show is also available through both the Radio FX and TuneIn apps or online at www.LionSports.net/ListenLive. Video of the show will be archived on Southeastern’s Facebook page, /SLUathletics.

DIAMOND CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the baseball program are encouraged to join Diamond Club. All membership fees and donations to the Diamond Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern baseball program.

Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at (985) 549-5091.

SOCIAL MEDIA
For more information on Lions Baseball, follow @Lions_Baseball on Twitter, @SLU_LionsBaseball on Instagram, like /SLUathletics on Facebook and subscribe to the SLUathletics YouTube channel.