EUNICE, La. – LSU Eunice Baseball went back-and-forth with Delgado on Saturday as the two sides split a Saturday doubleheader at Bengal Stadium. The Bengals (38-9, 15-4 LCCAC) hold a one game lead on the Dolphins in the LCCAC standings.
It was a day of celebration as the Bengals opened the twinbill by honoring the 2006 LSUE Baseball team during this 20th anniversary of the team's NJCAA National Championship – the first of eight for the Bengals' program. LSU President Dr. Wade Rousse was also in attendance throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
LSUE started both games hot on the offensive side before late surges by Delgado. The Bengals could not hold off the Dolphins in Game One, falling 6-5. LSUE scored critical insurance runs late in the finale, taking a 12-9 decision. In the two games, LSU Eunice belting four home runs, bringing their season total to 81 – a new program season record.
The Bengals and Dolphins close out their four-game series with a 1:00PM contest on Sunday. It is LSU Eunice's final home game of the regular season.
Game 1 vs. Delgado – L, 5-6
Some early game fireworks were not enough for LSU Eunice as the Bengals fell 6-5 to open the day's doubleheader.
Both offenses came out of the gate swinging with Delgado striking first with a solo home run. The Bengals responded in the bottom half, putting their first four batters on base.
Jordan Luna (Washington, LA, Opelousas Catholic HS) kicked it off with a lead off solo home run to right field, and a two-run double by
Milan Obradovich (Tuscaloosa, AL, Northridge HS) to make it 3-1 LSUE.
Delgado punched back with three runs of its own, a run in the second and a two-run homer in the third to regain the lead, 4-3. LSUE tied an inning later thanks to a solo home run by
Mason Bordelon (Marksville, LA, Avoyelles Charter HS).
The Dolphins scratched runs in the fifth and sixth to go ahead 6-4. Once again, the Bengals answered in the sixth with a solo home run from
Rowen Bergeron (Sunset, LA, Opelousas Catholic HS). LSUE had a chance to work some last inning magic thanks to a Luna lead off single and
Andrew Clapinski (Baton Rouge, LA, Catholic-Baton Rouge HS) walk. A bunt pop up squashed the threat as the Delgado turned a double play and induced a strikeout to end the game.
Luna was the lone Bengal to have a multi-hit game with LSUE being outhit 8-7.
Xavier Woods (Cleveland, TX, Cleveland HS) was dealt with the loss after 2.2 innings of relief. He was one of five pitchers to throw in the game.
Game 2 vs. Delgado – W, 12-8
The doubleheader finale was a wild game of momentum swings with LSUE coming out on top in a 12-9 victory. The Bengals raced out to an eight-run lead and staved off a Dolphins rally with late insurance runs.
Aidan Mouton (Rayne, LA, Notre Dame HS) jump started the LSUE attack with a two-run home run in the first inning before the Bengals exploded for six runs in the second. Mason Bordelon started the run with a RBI double, followed by three two-out run producing at bats. Mouton started that run with a two-run single, Milan Obradovich followed with a two-run double, and
Marshall Louque (Lutcher, LA, Lutcher HS) singled home another run.
Delgado put together a rally, outscoring LSUE 8-1 in the next three innings to make it a 9-8 LSUE lead. The Bengals used key defensive stops to set the stage for a late offensive push.
Rowen Bergeron (Sunset, LA, Opelousas Catholic HS) made a spectacular throw to first on a bunt in the fifth, leaving two runners stranded and then started an inning ending double play in the sixth.
LSUE manufactured three key insurance runs on a sacrifice fly, a balk, and bases loaded walk to give LSUE a 12-8 lead into the final inning. Delgado added its final run on a solo home run before the Bengals ended the game.
Mouton led the Bengals with a 2-for-4 game, adding four RBIs and two runs scored. He was joined by Obradovich with a multi-hit game as LSUE outhit Delgado 11-10.
Hudson Spangler (Zachary, LA, Zachary HS) picked up the win after tossing 3.2 innings.
