Louisiana Christian – Red River Athletic – Louisiana Christian faces a challenging week ahead. LCU opens at home against Columbia International (SC) before traveling to Sterlington, LA, for the annual Cajun Collision. There, they will take on Dakota State, Hastings (NE), No. 25 Central Methodist (MO), and (RV) Science and Arts (OK). To open up their week LCU would give host to Columbia International (SC) for a single day double-header before heading to Sherlington.
LCU opened the series with a 7-2 victory, highlighted by solo home runs from Braden McLin and Darron Degeyter.Brandon Carter earned his second win of the season on the mound. He tossed two innings, allowing just one hit with no earned runs and no walks, while recording two strikeouts.
Game two brought another win for LCU, as they secured a 5-1 victory. Darron Degeyter hit his second home run in as many games that day, while Braden Trull added his third home run of the season. Caleb Brown earned the save, pitching two innings and allowing just one hit with no walks and no earned runs, while recording one strikeout. With that win LCU would sweep the double-header against CIU and is set to head to Sherlington to begin their time at the Cajun Collision.
Game three marked LCU’s opener at the Cajun Collision, where they faced off against Dakota State. LCU would however fall to Dakota State at a final score of 5-4. Matthew Cody led the team with two RBIs, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a tough outing on the mound. Starter Jacob Bareswill pitched 3.1 innings, allowing six hits and five runs (three earned) while issuing three walks and recording five strikeouts. The loss moved Bareswill’s record to 1-1 on the season and handed LCU a setback to open tournament play.
Game four of the week pits LCU against Hastings (NE) in their second matchup of the Cajun Collision, as the Wildcats look to bounce back following their loss to Dakota State. Harrison Waxley would lead LCU offensively in the game. Waxley finished the day 3-for-4 at the plate, recording a double and driving in three runs. Braden Trull followed with a strong performance of his own, also going 3-for-4 with a double. On the mound, Owen Simoneaux came on in relief after starter Sterling Sims battled through a tough first three innings. Simoneaux delivered a strong performance, pitching four innings and allowing just three hits with no earned runs and one walk, while striking out seven. LCU would come away with a victory with the final score being 9-4. A great way for this LCU to bounce back after a tough loss.
Game 5 of the week would be LCU’s second time facing a top 25 ranked opponent so far this season. Next up on their schedule is #25 Central Methodist who is still hot from their 4-3 victory over LSU Shreveport to break their 65-game win streak. Braden McLin would hit his second solo home run of the week as LCU jumped to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first. CMU would quickly respond with two runs in the bottom of the first taking a 2-1 lead. LCU would then have a 2-run top fourth and a 2-run top seventh to take a 5-3 victory. Kade Linn was on the bump for LCU as he threw a complete game consisting of 7 innings pitched, four hits, three runs, three earned runs, four walks, and racking up double digit strikeouts with an even 12. The victory would move LCU’s record against top 25 opponents to 3-0 this season (they swept MACU 2-0 to start the season).
Game six wrapped up the week and LCU’s time at the Cajun Collision, as the Wildcats faced (RV) Science and Arts (OK). Logan Lobell joined the home run club with a two-run shot in the bottom of the second inning to give LCU the lead. Braden Trull stayed hot at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Brandon Carter returned to the mound for his second appearance of the week and delivered a strong outing. He pitched six innings, allowing seven hits and one earned run while issuing one walk and striking out eight. The performance earned Carter his third win of the season, improving his record to 3-0. LCU would come out on top 7-1 finishing off their already successful week. 

Cooper Carter – NAIA Ball Staff Writer