SHREVEPORT, La. – The LSUS Pilots must have wanted to win the hard way Wednesday night against Southern Arkansas University. If not that, they certainly wanted to win it dramatically.
After giving up eight runs on three hits, three walks and two hit by pitches, the Pilots lost their 8-2 lead to the Muleriders in the seventh inning. But the Pilots, who have done an excellent job of rallying this season, scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth to get the victory, 12-10.
Although pitching a great five innings, starting pitcher Tyler Lewis ended up with a no-decision because of the late-inning scoring by the Muleriders (29-20). He allowed three hits and two runs in that time frame.
Relief pitcher Jeremie Chabot (4-0) got the win in the wild match-up completing a scoreless 8th inning.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Jeremy Chabot started things off right with a lead-off single and then Bryan Cooksey followed suit with another single. Colin Moro laid down a sacrifice bunt to the third base line and moved the runners up safely.
Pinch hitter Scott Talley then knocked in Chabot on a single and Dusty Maddox and GCAC player of the week Dustin Bissonnette also followed with RBIs.
Chris Frye’s single caused the visiting team’s third baseman to overthrow and Bissonnette scored due to his aggressive base running.
The Pilot’s Derek Cunningham came in to pitch the ninth inning for his squad in hopes of getting his second save of the season. Although allowing one single, he managed to complete his task and end the game on a positive note for LSUS.
Next up for the Pilots will be conference rivals University of Mobile. With LSUS (33-10, 17-4) holding first place in the GCAC, the Rams (28-15, 14-7) are close behind in second. The three game series will start on Friday with a nine inning game beginning at 6:30 p.m.
By Chrissy Chiri
