This past weekend, the Lions (9-7, 2-1 SLC) swept Grambling in a three-game series to improve their overall record after they opened the series with a 13-3 victory in seven innings on Friday, recording their largest single-inning scoring output in more than two seasons during the fourth inning with nine runs.
Senior first baseman Brody Capps highlighted the fourth inning with a grand slam to left-center field, while senior third baseman Alex Perry added three more runs with an inside-the-park home run.
To finish off the spectacular inning, the graduate left fielder Justin Williams and senior second baseman Ben Robicheaux both hit singles that brought in two runs, extending their lead before the fifth, 11-3.
Southeastern continued its offensive push from home plate on Saturday, defeating Grambling 12-9 in the first game of the doubleheader.
Before the final game of the series was interrupted by multiple weather delays, senior catcher Blaise Priester delivered a go-ahead two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Lions a 10-9 lead before the game was called off Sunday morning.
Head Coach Bobby Barbier spoke about how the offense shone through, helping secure the series win, despite the early-season struggles.
“I thought we swung the bat well both days; however, we didn’t pitch as well today, but I’m proud our guys competed and found a way to win,” Barbier said.
The series win marks a turnaround for the defending Southland Conference champions, who began the weekend with a 6-7 record after suffering their last loss to South Alabama and the final game of the season against Northwestern State.
SLU gained traction by claiming the team’s first SLC series win against Northwestern State (9-7, 3-3 SLC) and run-ruling ULM in two mid-week matchups on Tuesday and Wednesday.
On the mound, the sophomore pitcher Brady St. Pierre stepped into a larger role this season, becoming the opener for Southeastern and reflected on how it felt when he moved up following the graduation of the team’s former opener, Brennan Stuprich.
“He was a great pitcher. I couldn’t have stepped into better footsteps. He showed what it means to be a pitcher here at Southeastern and I am just trying to help our team secure wins alongside my teammates,” St. Pierre said.
Once SLU opened Southland Conference play last weekend on the road against Northwestern State, Head Coach Barbier pointed out how those wins boosted the team’s morale before traveling to Monroe.
“That road trip really helped our team come together. When you have a lot of transfers and guys from different places, spending time together on the road helps build chemistry,” Barbier said.
The Lions will travel to play South Alabama on Wednesday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. before they open the conference series against Stephen F. Austin on March 13, at 6 p.m. in Alumni Field.
