Pilots Rally Past Hope International, 6–3, Remain Undefeated

LEWISTON, Idaho – The LSU Shreveport Pilots overcame an early deficit and used a steady mix of clutch hitting and powerful pitching to defeat the defending National Champion Hope International Royals 6–3 on Monday night.

Hope jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the bottom of the second inning thanks to a tricky single through the right side.

LSU Shreveport responded in the top of the third inning. Josh Gibson laced a double down the left-field line to bring home Cooper Huspen, and Vantrel Reed followed with a double of his own to left-center, scoring Gibson and tying the game at 2–2.

The Pilots took the lead in the fourth when Diego Aragon singled to right, scoring Jose Sallorin to make it 3–2. The Royals answered in the bottom half of the inning.

The Pilots took control in the sixth, manufacturing a run with safety squeeze from Diego Aragon that served as a sacrifice that brought home Ian Montz for the go-ahead run.

LSUS added insurance in the ninth when Ian Montz came through with a huge two-run single up the middle, scoring Austin Gomm and Josh Gibson—both runs unearned—to extend the lead to 6–3.

From the fifth inning on, the Pilots' pitching staff held Hope International scoreless, preserving the lead and securing the win.

Draven Zeigler went 7 strong innings scattering five hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 1 walk and 10 strikeouts while earning the win.

Brock Lucas shut the door earning a 6-out save allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts.

The Pilots move to 56-0, and earn an off day tomorrow.

LSUS is back in action on Wednesday, May 28^th at 6:30pm PST/8:30pm CST against the winner of game 13 between Southeastern (Fla.) and Georgia Gwinnett.

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