Burkhart's Rocket to Left Sends Pilots to Victory

Shreveport, Louisiana— In an electrifying matchup between two top 25 teams, the LSU Shreveport Pilots triumphed over the Reinhardt Eagles in dramatic walk-off fashion. With the win, the Pilots move to an overall record of 2-1. 

The Pilots drew first blood in this highly anticipated duel, scoring early in the bottom of the first inning. The action unfolded as Josh Gibson singled to left center and skillfully advanced around the bases, ultimately being brought home by Vantrel Reed. The Pilots and Eagles engaged in a tense standoff, navigating three scoreless innings through the fourth. 

The Eagles then seized the momentum, putting up single runs in the top of the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, snatching the lead from the Pilots. Undeterred, the Pilots rallied in the bottom of the seventh, staging a remarkable comeback with three runs to regain the lead. 

The inning began with two leadoff singles and a crucial fielder's choice, putting Pilots on the corners. Trevor Burkhart stepped up and delivered a clutch single down the right line, scoring one run and placing another runner on third. Josh Gibson followed suit, bringing Ryan Davenport home with a single and providing Burkhart the opportunity to reach third. Burkhart then crossed the plate as Christian Hobbs singled through the left side, swinging the lead back in favor of the Pilots. 

The Eagles managed to add another run in the top of the eighth, but the Pilots held them in check, keeping the game manageable. In the bottom of the eighth, the Pilots were held scoreless, setting the stage for a nail-biting final inning. 

As the Eagles took the field in the ninth, the Pilots' offense held firm. With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Trevor Burkhart stepped into the batter's box with the game hanging in the balance. In a moment of sheer brilliance, Burkhart connected with a long shot, sending a home run soaring over the left-field fence, emphatically calling an end to the game. 

The walk-off home run by Burkhart sealed a thrilling victory for the Pilots, the senior from Davenport, Iowa ended the evening 3-for-4. He had two runs and two RBIs which he contributed to the win. 

The Pilots will be back in action Friday February 2nd as they face the Blue Jays of Tabor College. First pitch is set for 3:00pm CT from Pilot Field in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

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