Pilots Down Lions of SAGU in Seven Innings

Shreveport, Louisiana— In a dominant display of power and precision, the Pilots of LSU Shreveport soared to a commanding 10-0 victory over the Lions of SAGU, invoking the run rule in just seven innings. With the win the Pilots move to an overall record of 23-2 and continue their win streak with 12. 

The matchup between the Pilots and the Lions was a tightly contested affair for the first five innings, with neither team able to break the deadlock on the scoreboard. In fact, it wasn't until the bottom of the third inning that the first hit of the game was recorded, highlighting the defensive prowess of both teams. 

However, the Pilots erupted in the bottom of the sixth inning, unleashing an offensive onslaught that left the Lions reeling. Jose Sallorin kickstarted the rally by bravely taking one for the team, getting hit by a pitch. Josh Gibson then came through with a clutch double, setting the stage for a monumental inning. 

With the bases loaded after Ryan Davenport was walked, Vantrel Reed delivered a crucial double down the left side, driving in both Gibson and Sallorin and putting Davenport in prime scoring position. Christian Hobbs followed suit with a groundout that brought Davenport home and advanced Reed. 

AJ Fritz kept the momentum going with another double down the left line, scoring Reed. The Pilots capitalized on the opportunity, as consecutive hit by pitches loaded the bases once again. Diego Aragon stepped up with a timely single, bringing in another run, before three consecutive runs being scored off walks forced in to cap off the explosive inning. 

With a commanding 8-0 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Pilots showed no signs of slowing down. Trevor Burkhart added to the lead with a sacrifice fly, scoring AJ Fritz, before Jack Parks sealed the deal with a walk-off single, triggering the run rule and securing the dominant victory. 

Vantrel Reed and AJ Fritz led the offensive charge for the Pilots, each going 2-for-4 at the plate with key RBIs and runs scored. Jose Sallorin contributed across the board, going 1-for-1 with a run, an RBI, and a walk. 

On the mound, Lex Meinderts delivered a masterful performance, tossing six innings of no-hit ball while allowing just one walk and striking out one batter, showcasing his dominance and precision on the mound. With their commanding performance, the Pilots sent a resounding message to the rest of the league, asserting their dominance and solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with. 

The Pilots will be back in action Friday March 22nd as they face the Jaguars of Houston-Victoria. The first pitch is set for 6:30pm CT from Victoria, Texas. 

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