Pilots Open Series with 11-5 Win, Neffendorf Hits 300 Career Victories

SHREVEPORT, La. -- A strong all-around performance lifted LSU Shreveport to an 11-5 win over the University of the Southwest in Thursday night's series opener at Pilot Field. The victory also marked head coach Brad Neffendorf's 300th career win at the helm of the Pilots.

With the win, the Pilots improve to 30-7 overall and 15-4 in RRAC play, while Southwest falls to 11-26 and 7-12 in conference action.

LSUS used a steady offensive attack and a pair of big innings to take control. The Pilots broke the game open with a three-run third inning and later added five runs across the seventh and eighth frames to pull away.

After Southwest struck first with a run in the opening inning, LSUS answered in the second and then surged ahead for good in the third. A sacrifice fly from Carlos Sanchez and timely situational hitting helped spark the rally.

Makana Olaso provided a key swing for the Pilots with a home run as part of the offensive effort. Dorien Jackson led the way at the plate with two hits and three RBIs, while Spencer Sullivan added two hits and an RBI. Kobe White also scored twice and reached base multiple times to help set the tone offensively.

Evan Gant earned the win in relief for LSUS, while David Hankins delivered a solid start, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing three runs on four hits. The bullpen held Southwest to just one run over the final 3.1 innings, with Jacob Gallegos and Jack Savitch helping secure the victory.

Southwest was led by Mark Gonzales, who drove in two runs, but the Mustangs were unable to keep pace after LSUS created separation in the later innings.

The Pilots will look to secure the series on Friday when the two teams return to Pilot Field for a doubleheader beginning at noon.

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