Late Surge Falls Short as Pilots Drop Series Opener to TAMUT, 8-5

SHREVEPORT, La. -- LSU Shreveport dropped the series opener to Texas A&M-Texarkana, 8-5, on Friday night at Pilot Field, falling to 32-9 overall and 17-9 in Red River Athletic Conference play, while the Eagles improved to 22-21 and 11-11 in league action.

The Pilots found themselves playing from behind early as Texas A&M-Texarkana plated runs in the second and fifth innings to build a multi-run lead. LSUS struggled to generate consistent offense through the first six innings, managing just a pair of runs while the Eagles kept pressure on at the plate.

LSUS delivered its biggest moment in the seventh inning when Carlos Sanchez changed the complexion of the game with one swing. With the bases loaded, Sanchez launched a grand slam to left field, tying the game at 5-5 and capping a four-run inning. The blast, which scored Bronson Neave, Quaterrion Walton and Brett Justice along with Sanchez himself, energized the crowd and gave the Pilots new life late in the contest .

On the mound, David Hankins turned in a steady start, working 6.1 innings while allowing four runs on seven hits and striking out two . Jacobo Gallegos was charged with the loss after surrendering three runs (two earned) in relief as the Eagles answered back in the late innings. Jack Savitch provided a bright spot out of the bullpen, tossing two scoreless innings to keep LSUS within striking distance.

Texas A&M-Texarkana leaned on starter Matthew Hart, who limited the Pilots to one run over six innings while striking out three . After the game-tying home run, the Eagles regrouped offensively and capitalized in the eighth inning, scoring three runs to break the tie and take control for good .

LSUS finished the night with five runs on five hits, while the Eagles tallied eight runs on nine hits and took advantage of two Pilot errors.

With the loss, LSU Shreveport will look to bounce back as the series continues, with tomorrow's first game setting up as a rubber match opportunity for the Pilots during Senior Day at Pilot Field. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.

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