Pilots Take Game One from LSUA, 13-3

ALEXANDRIA, La. -- LSU Shreveport used a five-run second inning and a dominant performance on the mound to roll past LSU Alexandria, 13-3, in eight innings Friday night in Alexandria.

With the win, the Pilots improve to 16-2 overall and remain unbeaten in Red River Athletic Conference play at 4-0. LSU Alexandria drops to 14-6 overall and 3-1 in conference action. LSUS will look to close out the series Saturday with a doubleheader beginning at noon.

LSUS wasted no time setting the tone offensively, plating two runs in the first inning before breaking the game open in the second. The Pilots capitalized on timely hitting and defensive miscues to score five runs in the frame, building a commanding early advantage they would not relinquish.

Makana Olaso led the charge at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a double and five RBIs. Rodrigo Bravo drove in three runs, while Spencer Sullivan added two hits and an RBI in the balanced attack. LSUS added two runs in the sixth, one in the seventh, and three more in the eighth to trigger the run rule.

On the mound, David Hankins set the tone and earned the win to improve to 5-0 on the season. The senior right-hander worked five innings, allowing just two hits and three runs while striking out four. Hankins attacked the strike zone early and limited free passes, preventing LSU Alexandria from generating sustained offensive pressure.

Joan Roman was sharp out of the bullpen, delivering three scoreless innings to close out the contest. The junior scattered just two hits and kept the Generals off the scoreboard to secure the eight-inning victory. Together, the duo limited LSUA to four hits on the night.

LSUA managed RBIs from Lane Patin and Evan Rohlfs-Schadel but was unable to string together momentum against the Pilots' pitching staff.

LSUS and LSUA will conclude the series Saturday afternoon with a doubleheader beginning at noon in Alexandria.