Pilots Drop Tight Doubleheader at LCU

PINEVILLE, La. -- LSU Shreveport came up just short twice on Friday, dropping both ends of a pivotal Red River Athletic Conference doubleheader to Louisiana Christian, 3-0 and 3-2. The Pilots move to 34-12 overall and 19-7 in RRAC play, now tied with the Wildcats, who improve to 34-9 (19-7).

Game 1: LCU 3, LSUS 0

The opener featured a tight, scoreless battle early as LSUS starter Brock Lucas matched zeros with Louisiana Christian through the first three innings. The Pilots showed early life at the plate when Carlos Sanchez singled to open the game, but a double play quickly erased the threat.

LSUS continued to apply pressure in the second and fourth innings, putting runners aboard, but couldn't find the timely hit to break through. Lucas kept the Wildcats in check into the middle innings before LCU broke through in the sixth. A leadoff hit-by-pitch sparked the rally, followed by a run-scoring double from Jake Messina and a sequence of clutch at-bats that produced three runs.

Lucas (L, 8-2) turned in a strong outing despite the loss, striking out 10 over 6.0 innings while allowing just three runs. Kade Linn (W, 9-1) limited the Pilots to four hits across 6.2 innings, and Colton Williams closed it out to secure the shutout.

Game 2: LCU 3, LSUS 2

The nightcap brought late-inning drama, with LSU Shreveport mounting a push but ultimately falling a run short.

After being held quiet through the first six innings, the Pilots broke through in the seventh. Brett Justice sparked the rally, and with pressure mounting, LSUS capitalized on a defensive miscue by the Wildcats that allowed two runs to cross, trimming the deficit to one.

Louisiana Christian built its lead earlier with a decisive third inning. A pair of hits and aggressive baserunning set the stage before Gavin Vordick delivered a two-RBI double to give the Wildcats control of the game.

David Hankins (L, 7-1) battled through 7.0 innings with eight strikeouts, keeping LSUS within striking distance throughout. 

On the other side, Brandon Carter (W, 8-8) was effective into the eighth, and Williams again slammed the door late, earning his second save of the day.

LSUS had opportunities down the stretch, putting runners on in both the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn't deliver the tying run.

LSU Shreveport will look to respond on Saturday, returning to Billy Allgood Field for a noon first pitch with the series—and significant postseason implications—on the line.