Pilots End Day One of the Collision at 2-0

Sterlington, Louisiana— In a thrilling double-header, the Pilots of LSU Shreveport showcased their prowess on the diamond, securing victories against tough opponents. In the first game, they faced off against the #18 Rams of Mobile in a nail-biting contest that ended with a 6-4 victory for the Pilots. 

Right from the get-go, the Pilots asserted their dominance, putting up two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Josh Gibson ignited the offense with a well-placed single through the left side, swiftly followed by a steal to advance to second base. Vantrel Reed capitalized on the opportunity, bringing Gibson home and scoring himself on a botched throw by the catcher. 

However, the Rams fought back valiantly, leveling the score with runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Undeterred, the Pilots rallied in the bottom of the sixth to regain the lead. With two early hit by pitches putting runners on base, Christian Hobbs stepped up to the plate and delivered a game-changing blow—a towering shot over the right field fence, clearing the bases and propelling the Pilots to a 5-2 advantage. Another walk paved the way for Reed to cross the plate once again, extending the lead to 6-2. 

Although the Rams managed to tack on two more runs in the seventh inning, their comeback bid fell short as the Pilots shut the door, securing the hard-fought 6-4 win. Vantrel Reed was a standout performer, going 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI, while Christian Hobbs made his mark with a crucial 1-for-1 performance, contributing three RBIs to the victory. 

Buoyed by their success in the first game, the Pilots entered the second matchup against the (RV) Owls of Oregon Tech with confidence and determination. Once again, they wasted no time in seizing the initiative, scoring a run in the second inning courtesy of a solo home run from Angel Rodriguez. 

Maintaining their offensive momentum, the Pilots added another run in the fourth inning, with Nathaniel De La Cruz crossing the plate thanks to Vantrel Reed's timely hit. Reed continued to shine in the fifth inning, driving in two more runs to extend the Pilots' lead to 4-0. 

Although the Owls managed to break the shutout with a lone run in the sixth inning, it was too little, too late to thwart the Pilots' dominance. Angel Rodriguez stood out once again, going 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI, as the Pilots cruised to a well-deserved 4-1 victory, capping off a successful day on the diamond. 

The Pilots will be back in action Friday February 9th as they face the Drovers of Science & Arts (OK). First pitch is set for 3:30pm CT from Sterlington, Louisiana. 

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