Southeastern’s Fall World Series begins with one-run affair

FALL WORLD SERIES UPDATE – Game 1 Recap

HAMMOND, La. – A bases-loaded, ninth-inning groundout by first baseman Kyle Schimpf proved to be the difference Friday night as the Juice Box Boyz picked up 5-4 win in Game 1 of Southeastern Louisiana’s annual Heart of a Lion World Series at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

In the top of the third inning, the Juice Box Boyz drew first blood when second baseman Trey Harrington sent a rocketing single into left field and later scored on a base hit by Destrehan High School product Nathan Pilutti.

The lead would be short-lived, as the Ice Cold Pitchers grabbed their first run in the bottom of the next inning. After infielder Cody Grosse drew a leadoff walk and eventually made his way to third, first baseman Scottie Sanders hit an infield single to cut the Juice Box Boyz’ lead to 2-1.

With three straight singles in the seventh inning, the Juice Box Boyz tacked on two more runs and jumped back into the driver’s seat. However, a pair of doubles by Grosse and Sanders would trim the Pitchers’ deficit to two runs.

Despite an error-plagued final inning, the Pitchers were unable to secure the win.

Senior captain Josh Green (1-0) started the game for the Juice Box Boyz, throwing six innings and only allowing one earned run on two hits. For the Ice Cold Pitchers, starter Corey Gaconi (0-1) threw four innings, gave up two runs on six hits, and struck out four batters. Both starters factored into the decision, with Green taking the win and Gaconi suffering the loss.

Due to expected bad weather in the area, Game 2 of the Heart of a Lion Fall World Series has been pushed up to a 2:00 p.m. first pitch. Admission is free to all three games at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. Live stats and streaming video will also be available. Links for both can be found on the baseball schedule page at www.LionSports.net.

Performances during the series are incorporated into the baseball program’s Heart of a Lion team-building competition held each fall.