Pilots Drop Tight Contest in Series Opener at A&M-Victoria

VICTORIA, Texas -- LSU Shreveport saw a late push come up short on Friday night, falling 8-6 to Texas A&M University–Victoria in the opening game of the weekend series at Riverside Stadium. The Pilots move to 28-5 overall and 14-2 in RRAC play, while the Jaguars even the conference race between the two clubs. The teams will wrap up the series with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 12:15 p.m.

LSUS struck first in the opening inning, as Carlos Sanchez singled and later came around to score on a Landon Hunt RBI knock. The Pilots added another run in the third when Hunt again delivered, plating Dorien Jackson to make it 2-0.

After A&M-Victoria answered to tie the game, LSU Shreveport regained momentum in the fifth inning with a three-run frame. Makana Olaso delivered an RBI single before Bronson Neave drove in a pair with a base hit, giving the Pilots a 5-3 advantage. Neave finished with two RBI on the night, while Hunt led the offense with three hits and an RBI.

The Jaguars, however, responded in the bottom half of the inning and into the middle innings, capitalizing on timely hitting to take control. A three-run sixth inning proved to be the difference, highlighted by RBI hits from Jackson Purcell, Roberto Olguin, and Kyle Barosh that pushed A&M-Victoria in front for good.

LSUS continued to battle late, trimming the deficit to two in the eighth. An RBI from Quaterrion Walton and a run-scoring groundout by Makana Olaso made it 8-6 and brought the tying run into play, but the Pilots were unable to complete the comeback.

On the mound, David Hankins got the start for LSU Shreveport and went 5.0 innings, allowing five hits and three runs while striking out two. Evan Gant (1-1) was tagged with the loss after surrendering two runs in relief. Cade Robin and Jacobo Gallegos combined to cover the final 3.1 innings, with Gallegos striking out four.

A&M-Victoria's Jonathan Jones earned the win, tossing 6.0 innings and allowing five runs while striking out six. Matthew Mejia closed the door with a three-inning save, limiting the Pilots to just one run down the stretch.

Despite the loss, LSU Shreveport outhit A&M-Victoria 9-8 and showed resilience offensively, with multiple contributors throughout the lineup.

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