EUNICE, La. – LSU Eunice Baseball jumped out to an eight-run first inning and cruised on its way to a 22-5 run-rule win over Monroe University on Friday in the series opener at Bengal Stadium.  The Bengals (7-1) have won in run-rule fashion in three consecutive games.
 
The Bengals only needed four hits in the big opening inning, capitalizing on two Monroe errors and five free passes.  Jordan Luna (Washington, LA, Opelousas Catholic HS) began the scoring with a RBI double down the left field line and would score after stealing third base and a throwing error by the Mustangs.  Jacob Froehlich (Broussard, LA, St. Thomas More HS) and Jake Smith (Rosepine, LA, Rosepine HS) added RBI base hits before Aidan Mouton (Rayne, LA, Notre Dame HS) uncorked a grand slam.
 
Monroe would score in the third only to be matched by a five-run third inning, headlined by a three-run homer from Andrew Clapinski (Baton Rouge, LA, Catholic-Baton Rouge HS).  The Mustangs tacked on three more runs an inning later before the Bengals added a six-run frame, using a sacrifice fly, three bases loaded free passes, a balk, and a Smith RBI single to make it 19-4.
 
Jake Smith (Rosepine, LA, Rosepine HS) led the team with a three-hit game, added three RBIs and two runs scored, while Mouton tallied four RBIs and four runs scored.  Clapinski chipped in three RBIs and three runs scored.
 
Hudson Spangler (Zachary, LA, Zachary HS) picked up the win after tossing five innings with Ian Carlson (Kingwood, TX, Kingwood HS) finishing the game with two innings out of the bullpen.
 
The series continues with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at 1:00PM.