The #1 LSU-Eunice Bengals used two three-run home runs and took advantage of a shaky Cobra defense as they won the opening game of the best two out of three series. The two teams will meet again at 7:00 on Friday in game two. If LSU-E wins, they will win their 6th NJCAA D-II title. A  Cobra win would force a decisive game 3 on Saturday night at 7.

PC got on the board first as they put up a solo run in the 3rd as Brendan Joyce delivered an RBI single. LSU-E picked up an unearned run in the bottom of the inning to tie the game as a throw went into left field on a steal of third.

PC got that run right back in the 4th as Raikes walked and Paulsen was hit by a pitch before Nick Wisz gave PC a 2-1 lead with an RBI single.  The lead was short lived however as the Bengals got a clutch two-strike two-out opposite field home run to give the Bengals a 4-2 lead. LSU added another tally in the 5th before PC would answer back with a run of their own as Wisz once again added an RBI single.

Back in the game at 5-3, an error and a three run homer in the 6th allowed LSU to score four times to increase their lead to 9-3. PC would not go quietly however as Connor Aube roped a run scoring single and another run came home on a passed ball.  After Evan Snyder retired the Bengals in order in the 7th, PC would threaten again in the 8th as the first two runners reached based.  However LSU-E went to their bullpen and were able to get the next three hitters to preserve the 9-5 lead. The Cobras had the top of the order up in the 9th but the LSU closer allowed just a two out single to Aube before closing out the win.

Joyce, Aube, and Wisz each had two hits for the Cobras while LSU was led by Koi Westbrook and Cameron Horton each drove in three runs with their round trippers.


PC     001 101 200   5  9  4
LSU   001 314 00X   9  8  1
W-Beason  L-Garner
HR-Westbrook (LSU)  Horton (LSU)