Southeastern hosted Jackson State University in a non-conference matchup that saw the Lions grind out a 3-2 victory. Both offense and defense were on point Southeastern, in a matchup that saw the Lions test out several different pitchers on the mound.  

The game was held on March 26 at the Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni field. Despite the frigid wind coming from the North, Southeastern was able to get the bats going early. Second baseman Jacob Williams would give the Lions their first run of the evening after a sacrifice fly from Daniel Midyett. One of Southeastern’s hits in the first inning came from Andrew Godbold, who would extend his hitting streak to twelve games. Godbold, however, was modest in his comments regarding the hitting streak.

“It is baseball. I can start talking about it and it can go away. It can happen to anybody on any given day. Luckily, the ball is falling my way right now,” said Godbold.

It would not be long before Jackson State would answer back. The game was tied once more at 1-1 after the second inning. Addition runs for the Lions would come in the third inning when Sam Roberson scored off of a single by Godbold. After the scoreless fourth, the Lions would earn the game winning run off of a sacrifice fly that sent Roberson home once more. The rest of the way was a tightly fought game that was eventually won by the pitching staff from Southeastern.

With another conference series right around the corner, Head Coach Matt Riser was looking to test out the bullpen in this matchup. Starting the game for the Lions was Senior Sean Kennel. The right-hander out of Slidell was able to pick up his third win of the season, while Christopher Wingard of Jackson State took the loss. Kyle Cedotal replaced Kennel on the mound at the top of the eighth and would not disappoint the home crowd. In Cedotal’s three innings of work, the sophomore earned six K’s to garner an impressive 1.20 era. Riser was without a doubt when noting the pitching as the reason for the win following the game.

“It was our pitching, no question. We knew we were going to pitch by committee to get everybody ready for the weekend,” said Riser. Dylan Hills and Matt Klotz would also enter the game late for the Lions. After entering the game in the seventh for Gage Pickett, Hills was able to ride out the inning without allowing any runs despite inheriting two runners from Pickett.

Klotz would be the last pitcher sent to the mound for Southeastern. He would be effective against Jackson State, closing out the game to earn his third save of the season. Riser complimented Klotz while speaking of his bullpen.

“We had Klotz there in the ninth inning. You like that guy back there in the bullpen,” said Riser referring to his closer.

This was the beginning of a six-game home front for the Lions. Next up is a three-game Southland conference series against Houston Baptist. The first game is set for Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m.