Pilots Drop Tight Doubleheader at A&M-Victoria Despite Strong Offensive Effort
VICTORIA, Texas -- LSU Shreveport came up just short in both games of a Saturday afternoon doubleheader at Texas A&M University–Victoria, falling 4-3 in game one and 5-2 in game two at Riverside Stadium. The Pilots now sit at 28-7 overall and 14-4 in Red River Athletic Conference play, while A&M-Victoria improves to 27-9 and 16-2 in league action. LSUS will look to bounce back on March 31 with a road trip to Crowley, Louisiana, to face John Melvin University at 2 p.m.
Game 1 – A&M-Victoria 4, LSUS 3
LSU Shreveport battled throughout the opener, collecting nine hits and holding the Jaguars in check for much of the afternoon, but a late run in the bottom of the seventh proved to be the difference. The Pilots showed power at the plate, as Dorien Jackson and Spencer Sullivan each delivered home runs, while Landon Hunt added a double to help pace the offense . LSUS broke through with two runs in the third inning and added another in the seventh, putting pressure on A&M-Victoria down the stretch.
Brock Lucas turned in a strong outing on the mound, going 6.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on seven hits, striking out eight without issuing a walk . Camden Stephens entered in relief and was charged with the tough-luck loss as the Jaguars capitalized in their final at-bat. For A&M-Victoria, Blaine Zeplin delivered six innings on the mound, allowing three runs while keeping the Pilots' offense in check, before Andrew Rivera earned the win out of the bullpen . The Jaguars used timely hitting in the seventh inning to push across the winning run, overcoming a solid effort from the Pilots .
Game 2 – A&M-Victoria 5, LSUS 2
In the nightcap, LSU Shreveport once again put together a competitive effort, tallying nine hits and threatening late, but a four-run fourth inning by A&M-Victoria created a gap the Pilots couldn't fully erase. Landon Hunt and Spencer Sullivan led the way offensively with two hits each and an RBI apiece, as LSUS continued to generate opportunities at the plate .
Robert Lastra got the start and was tagged with the loss after allowing four runs (two earned) over 3.1 innings, while the bullpen combination of Calvin Shepherd, Jack Savitch, Virot Siharath, and Joan Roman worked to limit further damage and keep the Pilots within striking distance . LSU Shreveport showed life in the ninth inning with a two-run rally, but A&M-Victoria's bullpen closed the door to secure the sweep. Jacob Baker earned the win for the Jaguars, with Justin Mireles and Matthew Mejia finishing the game in relief .
LSU Shreveport remained competitive across both contests, out-hitting A&M-Victoria in each game, but ultimately fell victim to timely Jaguar hitting and key late-inning execution. The Pilots will aim to regroup quickly as they return to action early next week.
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