Pilot Baseball Boosts Themselves Past Eagles with a Six Run Eighth Inning

Texarkana, Texas— In an electrifying start to the series, the Pilots of LSU Shreveport secured a convincing 11-5 victory over the Eagles of Texas A&M Texarkana in Game One. With a potent combination of timely hitting and strong pitching, the Pilots set the tone for the series and showcased their dominance on the diamond. The Pilots moved to 14-2 overall and a 6-1 record in conference.

The Pilots wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard, adding their first run of the game in the top of the second inning. Jose Aquino ignited the offense with a clutch single that brought home AJ Fritz, giving the Pilots an early lead. They extended their lead in the top of the fourth inning, as a sacrifice fly allowed Trevor Burkhart to cross the plate, putting them ahead 2-0.

As the game progressed, the Pilots continued to hold onto their lead, shutting down the Eagles' offense with solid pitching and defensive play. Through seven innings, they maintained their 2-0 advantage, setting the stage for a late-game offensive explosion.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Pilots erupted for six runs, breaking the game wide open. The inning was highlighted by a towering home run from Josh Gibson, who provided a spark for the offense. Two costly errors by the Eagles allowed runners on base, both of whom were driven home by the hot bat of AJ Fritz. Later in the inning, Aquino delivered a two-run shot of his own, adding to the Pilots' lead and putting the game out of reach.

Not content with their lead, the Pilots added three more runs in the top of the ninth inning to further pad their lead. Vantrel Reed delivered a clutch home run that brought home two runs, while another run was added to extend their lead to 11-0.

Despite the Pilots' commanding lead, the Eagles fought back in the bottom of the ninth, rallying to put up five runs and avoid the shutout. However, it was too little, too late, as the Pilots emerged victorious with an 11-5 win.

At the plate, AJ Fritz and Josh Gibson led the offensive charge for the Pilots, each going 2-for-5 with key contributions. Gibson notched two hits, two runs, and an RBI, while Fritz contributed two hits, two runs, and two RBIs. Trevor Burkhart also had a strong showing, going 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

On the mound, Isaac Rohde delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven full innings and giving up just six hits while striking out six batters. His dominant outing set the tone for the Pilots' success and helped secure the victory in Game One of the series.

The Pilots will open day two of the series Saturday March 2^nd with first pitch of the day being at 12:00pm CT from Texarkana, Texas.

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