Baseball Downed by LSU-Shreveport to Conclude Season

STERLINGTON, LA. (May 4, 2024) – The Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) baseball team finished the season in a 21-4 defeat against LSU-Shreveport (LSUS) at the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Championship Tournament. The Saints were the No. 6 seed, and the Pilots are the No. 1 seed. LSU-Shreveport is ranked fourth in the NAIA with a 41-8 record.

Head Coach Matt Piker said, "This game obviously didn't go the way we wanted it to. I'm very proud of the fight our team put up. We talk about setting goals in our program and you're going to move heaven and earth to accomplish it. Just because you fall short of the goal doesn't mean you failed. This group didn't necessarily accomplish all our goals for the season, but in no way were they and the season a failure. We learned a lot and I'm extremely proud of the squad. I'm proud of the seniors and I'm very honored for the faith they put in me and for what they have given to this program. These players have left an indelible legacy on this program, and we are already counting the days for opening day next year. I can't wait to get the guys back on campus in the fall."

History

The Saints were 10-24 against the Pilots prior to the game.

Basics

The game was scoreless through the first three innings. The Pilots rallied in the fourth inning for five runs on 12 hits. They continued the hot hitting in the fifth inning by plating 12 runs to extend the advantage to 17-0. Three of the Saints four runs came in the bottom of the fifth frame. Caimyn Holiday was hit by a pitch with bases loaded and two runs scored on a fielder's choice by D'Artagnan Perez-Padron. OLLU added another run in the seventh inning, but not until after the Pilots scored four in the sixth inning. LSUS won 21-4 to advance in the tournament and end the Saints season. Devin Benavides suffered the loss after pitching 3.2 innings with five earned runs. Matthew Sanchez, Chase Dunn, Ethan Garza, Esai Puente, Roman Rodriguez and Austin Mitchell pitched in relief.

Up next

The Saints wrapped up the season with an overall record of 28-24 and 16-14 mark in conference play.