The Lions scored 35 runs in a three games series over the week against the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions. However, it took a dramatic ninth-inning walk-off homerun by senior right fielder Harry Slade to secure Saturday’s 4-3 win.
Friday’s game was no contest as senior Ben Hernandez, juniors Aaron Haag and Jesse Buratt, and sophomore Brett Hoffman all notched at least two RBI’s as the Lions dominated 14-1. On Saturday, freshman catcher Jameson Fisher hit his first career homerun as a Lion, to help propel them to a 4-3 win along with Slade’s longball.
“Jameson can hit,” head coach Jay Artigues said in an interview with Lionsports.net. “It’s an adjustment to go from high school to the Division-I level obviously when you throw a freshman like that into the mix. He’s going to make some adjustments like he’s doing now, and that’s why he’s been successful.”
Sophomore infielder Tanner Rainey got his first chance to start on Sunday and made the most of it. The former pitcher turned infielder went 3-for-5 with two RBI’s and a run. Freshman Kyle Cedotal, who’s seen ample time on the mound this season, got his first look from the outfield at the Pat and went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in the 17-1 routing.
Junior pitcher Sean Kennel went six strong for the win on Friday, while Mason Klotz picked up a relief win on Saturday. Senior Jordan Hymel picked up the win Sunday after tossing five innings. The Lions return to action on Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m. against the University of South Alabama.