Pilots Split Doubleheader With William Carey Crusaders

Rocke Musgraves' club was scorched in Game 1 of his team's doubleheader against William Carey by the Crusaders' hot bats.

The same was almost said in Game 2, but the Pilots were able to rely on effective pitching to keep them out of trouble.

In Game 1, the Pilots behind shortstop Manny Estrada, and first baseman Greg Friesen.

The Pilots scored four runs in the top of the 1st inning and were able to avoid trouble until the 3rd inning.

In the top of the 3rd, the Crusaders scored twice, then a few batters later Scott Fabre was able to trim the Pilots lead down to one run after sending home a run via a double.

The Pilots' pitchers continued to dig a hole and the game progressed.

In the top of the 5th with the bases loaded, WCU's Vito Perna brought home two run from his single to right field. The next batter Jackson Posey launched a two-run homer over the left field bleachers.

The slugfest continued the very next inning when WCU added three more runs to scoreboard after a three run shot to left.

The Pilots' Brandon Cooksey launched a massive homer to left in the bottom of the 7th, but it was not enough as the Pilots lose Game 1 12-6.

Game 2 was a different story as the Crusaders were the first ones on the scoreboard after scoring four runs in the top of the 1st inning.

The Pilots were able to match and then double the runs the Crusaders scored early, by scoring eight runs in the bottom of the 1st.

Pilots outfielder Ridge Gonsoulin, cleared the bases in the bottom of the 1st with a double.

LSUS' Brandon Cooksey, Manny Estrada, and Greg Friesen all collected an RBI in the inning. Then Parker Hebert, brought home a run after he was walked with the bases loaded.

In the bottom of the 3rd, the Red River Athletic Conference's Player of the Week, Kyle Pearson, brought home a run via a sacrifice fly.

WCU's Vito Perna launched his second home run of the day to left field in the 4th inning, as they trimmed the lead to 10-8.

In the bottom of the 6th, Friesen sent home another run with another single.

Closing pitcher Cade Bowen, shut the Crusaders' hitters in order in the bottom of the 7th innings to seal the deal for the Pilots.

In Game 2, starting pitcher Paul Barton (5-2) threw 120 pitches in 5 1/3 innings of work.

The Pilots await Wiley College whom they will play on Friday night at 6 p.m.

[via LSUS Athletics]