LSU-S Pilots Sweep Houston-Victoria Jaguars In Home Opening Series

After a slow start to begin the season with a record of 1-2, many questioned the ability this Pilots' team led by coach Rocke Musgraves in his 14th season, after making a College World Series run a season ago.

As it turns out, LSU-S hushed many of the critics who predicted they are not the same team, in thrilling fashion.

After allowing multiple hits and a first inning run, fans inside Pilot field were seemingly nervous. But the bad feelings was immediately flushed from everyone's mind, as the Pilots scored 6 runs in the bottom of the first inning of Friday night's game.

The Houston-Victoria Jaguars immediately shook themselves off and got back into the game, by keeping the Pilots off the bases from the second to the eighth inning.

The Jags mounted a near comeback in the top of the 9th inning, as the Pilots committed two key errors that allowed UHV to score two runs to get within one run 7-6.

But, Jacob Byrd saved the day as he pitched a two-inning save to shut down the UHV Jaguars of a final of 7-6. Pilots' starting pitcher Paul Barton (1-0), who pitched five innings, is credited with the victory.

The Pilots and Jaguars were at it once again on Saturday afternoon, this time in a doubleheader.

The star of Game 1 was Pilots' starting pitcher Rory Young (1-0), who pitched a one-hit complete game shutout.

Young at one point sent down eight Jags' batters in a row, all in just 80 pitches.

Pilots' senior Kyle Pearson helped out Young, as he sent a pitch from UHV starter Nick Huff over the left field wall for his second home run of the season, for a three-run shot.

Young was credited with the loss as UHV's Nick Huff (0-1) was given the loss.

Game 2 for the Pilots started in an exciting fashion. LSU-S' Kade Billeaudeaux and Jacob Lopez successfully attempted a double steal on a first-and-third situation.

The Pilots were able to get two more runs in the bottom of the 2nd inning as Billeaudeaux came through once against, as he hit a two-run double to give the Pilots an early 3-0 lead.

The Jags were able to put runs on the scoreboard late in the contest on a Pilots' throwing error by Pilots' relief pitcher Riley Spencer.

The Pilots were able to put the game after an appearance by pitcher Ben Suit, as he picked up his second save of the season.

Despite the sweep, the series was one of missed opportunities for the Pilots, as they left a total of 23 runners on base. For the UHV Jaguars, it was not better, stranding 26 runners this weekend.

The LSU-Shreveport Pilots baseball squad is back in action on Tuesday afternoon in Victoria, Texas at 1 p.m. for a doubleheader against the Jaguars.

The Pilots return to Pilot Field on Friday afternoon for a doubleheader against the Culver Stockton Wildcats. Game 1 on Friday begins at 4 p.m., while Game 2 is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

You can follow all of the Pilots baseball games on the radio, all season long here.

[via LSUS]