Pilots Roll Past Grand View 6-3 in NAIA World Series Opener

LEWISTON, Idaho — LSU Shreveport opened its 2025 Avista NAIA World Series run with a convincing 6-3 victory over Grand View on Friday afternoon at Harris Field, using a balanced mix of power hitting and steady pitching to move forward in the tournament bracket.

The Pilots struck early in the first inning when second baseman Josh Gibson doubled and came around to score on a two-run home run by Austin Gomm to left-center, giving LSUS a quick 2-0 lead and setting the tone for a confident offensive performance.

In the third, Jackson Syring added to the tally with a solo home run to center field, and Diego Aragon followed in the fourth with a two-run shot to right, scoring Jose Sallorin and stretching the Pilots' lead to 5-0.

Grand View responded in the fifth with a solo home run from Brock Johnson, but the Pilots answered right back. Syring delivered again in the seventh with an RBI single, scoring Ryan Davenport and giving LSUS breathing room at 6-1.

The Vikings mounted a brief rally in the eighth when Brock Rinehart homered to right for two runs, but the Pilots' bullpen shut the door to secure the win.

Starter Isaac Rohde (15-0) turned in a composed performance, going seven innings and allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and two home runs while striking out five. Brock Lucas closed out the game with a scoreless ninth for his third save, and Lex Meinderts added a clutch inning of relief.

Kaleb Krier took the loss for Grand View, surrendering six runs on eight hits over six innings, including three home runs.

Syring led the offense with a homer, a single, and three RBIs. Gomm and Aragon each added two RBIs on their home runs, while the defense contributed a key double play from Gomm, Sallorin, and Rohde.

With the opening win secured, LSUS will return to action on Monday, May 26 in Game 10 of the World Series, where they will face Hope International University. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. PDT / 8:30 p.m. CST.

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