week 10: big series of the week
LSU-Shreveport vs. Louisiana Christian
Pineville, LA – The #2 LSU-Shreveport (LSUS) Pilots will make the 123-mile trip south across the Red River to Pineville, Louisiana, for this week’s NAIA Ball Big Series of the Week against Louisiana Christian (LCU). LSUS enters with a record of 29-3, while LCU comes in at 24-8. This three-game series also holds significant importance in the Red River Athletic Conference, with LSUS currently leading LCU.
HISTORY
LSUS leads the all-time series 27-4 over Louisiana Christian. The series began in April 2003, and the first matchup was a 10-5 victory for the Pilots. LCU’s last victory over LSUS came in March 2009 when the Wildcats defeated the Pilots 7-6. This means the Wildcats currently have a 16-game losing streak against the Pilots dating back to 2009. Additionally, the Wildcats have never won a game in Shreveport. This could be the year the Wildcats potentially break their losing streak against LSUS.
SCHEDULE – All times local
Friday, April 6th, at 6 pm
Saturday, April 7th, at 12 pm
Saturday, April 7th, at 3 pm
How to Watch
($) WATCH HERE
THE TEAMS
I had the pleasure of watching Brad Neffendorf’s LSU-Shreveport Pilots on the road in Victoria, TX, this year. Let’s take a deeper look at the club. Offensively, the Pilots have a .316 team average. They aren’t a high-powered home run-hitting team, but they can still swing it. Vantrel Reed leads the team with 18 extra-base hits. The team also boasts a nearly 1-1 ratio of walks to strikeouts. While they may not hit for big power, they find ways to get on base and work the gaps to their advantage. Their pitching staff has a team ERA of 2.84 and is loaded with talent. This pitching prowess will be crucial as they move towards the postseason. The Pilots’ pitching features a lot of high 80s to mid-90s fastball velocities, making them a challenging opponent. Lefty Isaac Rohde has had a standout year with a 1.59 ERA in 62.1 innings pitched, and AJ Fritz and Draven Ziegler have also been impressive. They also have an experienced bullpen. The Pilots are a talented team that focuses on doing the little things right, aiming for a trip to Lewiston.
The Wildcats of Louisiana Christian boast a conference-leading .356 team average in 32 games this season. Freshman Harrison Waxley leads the club in extra-base hits and hits, while catcher Tyler McKenna is hitting .493 in 76 at-bats. This offense is potent, having scored 296 runs in 32 games, with 342 hits and almost 500 total bases collected on the season. On the mound, the Wildcats have a staff ERA of 4.92 in 245 innings pitched. Andrew Yuratich leads the team in innings pitched with 46.2 and has an ERA of 3.86, which is the best among qualified starters. This series will undoubtedly be the toughest competition LCU has faced this season. While they have faced some talented teams, they haven’t played a series quite like this one. The highlight of the weekend will likely be the potent Wildcat lineup facing off against the solid Pilot pitching staff in Pineville, Louisiana.
STAFF PICKS
Robby – LSUS
Conner – LSUS
Taylor – LSUS
Tyler – LSUS
