LSUS Baseball Sweeps Hope International, Improves to 6-0

SHREVEPORT, La. — The LSU Shreveport Pilots continued their unbeaten start to the 2026 season on Sunday afternoon, sweeping a doubleheader against Hope International University at Pilot Field. LSUS earned a 19-8 victory in game one before securing the series with a 2-1 win in the finale. The Pilots improved to 6-0 on the season, while the Royals moved to 4-4 overall.

Game 1: LSUS 19, Hope International 8

After falling behind early, LSU Shreveport's offense erupted for 19 runs on 19 hits in the opener, highlighted by a six-run third inning that shifted momentum in favor of the Pilots.

Quaterrion Walton scored four runs and recorded two triples, while Makana Olaso went 4-for-5 with four RBIs and a home run. Nazir Mendez and Bronson Neave also homered as part of a seven-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach.

Hope International finished with 14 hits and was led offensively by Matthew Pinal, who drove in three runs, including a two-run double during the Royals' six-run seventh inning. David Allen scored twice and added a double, while Colby Moran went 2-for-5 with an RBI.

Jacob Galaz made the start for LSUS, allowing two runs over 2.2 innings. David Hankins picked up the win in relief, throwing 3.2 innings and limiting the Royals during the middle frames. Cade Robin and Calvin Shepherd closed out the contest as the Pilots answered Hope International's rally with an immediate offensive response. 

Game 2: LSUS 2, Hope International 1

The nightcap developed into a pitchers' duel, with both teams scoreless through five innings.

Hope International struck first in the sixth inning when Royce Clayton tripled and later scored on a sacrifice fly by David Shackelford, giving the Royals a 1-0 advantage. HIU starter Jake Thrift was strong on the mound, tossing six scoreless innings and striking out five while allowing just four hits.

LSU Shreveport broke through in the bottom of the eighth. Carlos Sanchez delivered the decisive hit, lining a two-run double to center field to score Spencer Sullivan and Bronson Neave and give the Pilots their first lead of the game.

Virot Siharath was sharp in his start for LSUS, allowing just one hit over five scoreless innings. Robert Lastra earned the win in relief, pitching the final three innings and recording two strikeouts to seal the sweep.

LSUS will hit the diamond again on Feb. 6 as they travel to Sterlington, La. to compete in the annual Cajun Collision. The Pilots open play against Central Methodist University at 2:30 p.m. and close the day with Mid-American Christian University at 6 p.m.

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