Split Decision: Pilots Take One, Drop One to OLLU

SHREVEPORT, La. — LSU Shreveport baseball came away with a split against Our Lady of the Lake University on Saturday at Pilot Field, taking Game 1, 5-3, before dropping the nightcap, 14-6. The Pilots now move to 28-4 overall and 14-1 in Red River Athletic Conference play, while the Saints improve to 21-11 and 11-4. The Game 2 loss marked the end of LSUS' 57-game conference winning streak and the program's first home defeat in 674 days, dating back to March 14, 2023.

Game 1: LSUS 5, OLLU 3

Game 1 saw the Pilots settle in after an early deficit, as OLLU pushed across single runs in each of the first three innings. LSUS answered in the bottom of the first when Carlos Sanchez came around to score, and the Pilots continued to apply pressure despite early missed opportunities. The breakthrough came in the fifth inning when LSUS capitalized on defensive miscues and timely hitting. Dorien Jackson delivered a key RBI single to tie the game and later scored to give the Pilots their first lead of the day.

LSUS added crucial insurance in the sixth inning, sparked by aggressive baserunning and situational execution. After Nathaniel De La Cruz and Rodrigo Bravo helped set the table, Jackson again came through with a two-RBI single to extend the lead. Makana Olaso added to the offensive effort with multiple hits as the Pilots finished with eight on the day.

On the mound, Brock Lucas delivered a composed and efficient outing, tossing a complete game while scattering six hits and allowing just three runs. The senior right-hander struck out eight and worked out of multiple jams, including a scoreless seventh inning to secure the win and improve to 6-0 on the season.

Game 2: OLLU 14, LSUS 6

In Game 2, OLLU wasted no time seizing momentum, erupting for six runs in the first inning behind a flurry of hits and aggressive baserunning. The Saints continued to tack on runs in the middle innings, including a three-run third and additional scoring in the fifth and sixth frames to build a commanding lead.

LSUS attempted to chip away, starting with a run in the first inning as Dorien Jackson drove in a run, followed by additional scoring in the fourth and fifth innings. Bronson Neave and Makana Olaso each contributed RBI efforts, while Evan Gant delivered a triple and later scored as part of a late push. Despite the Pilots' efforts, OLLU's 19-hit offensive outburst proved too much to overcome.

The Pilots utilized a number of arms in the nightcap, including Hunter Nichols, Jacob Galaz, Liam Thompson, and Rhys Francis, as they worked to slow the Saints' offensive surge. However, the early deficit proved too much to recover from as OLLU handed LSUS its first conference loss in nearly two seasons.

LSU Shreveport will look to regroup on the road as they travel to Texas A&M-Victoria on March 27, with first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m.