LSUS Scores Three in Ninth to Nip Badgers

LSU-Shreveport scored three runs in the top of the ninth inning to nip Spring Hill College (2-1, 2-1 GCAC) by a score of 5-3 on Friday evening.  Leading 3-2 after taking a one-run lead in the eighth off an RBI fielder’s choice by first baseman Sam Stewart, the Badgers saw LSUS (3-0, 3-0) score three runs via a leadoff single by designated hitter Josh Todd, a two-base throwing error by relief pitcher Matt Hasley (0-1), an RBI single by second baseman Jacob Watkins, and a two RBI double through a drawn in Badger infield by centerfielder Quentin Shamsabady.

The first six innings featured a pitching duel by starters Nick Clapper for Spring Hill and Cody Lott for the Pilots.  Clapper pitched his second consecutive strong outing going six complete innings giving up just two earned runs off four hits with five walks and seven strikeouts.  Lott matched Clapper out-for-out by recording seven innings of work, two earned runs and nine strikeouts with no walks.

At the plate, Spring Hill College was led by shortstop Patrick White who had two hits and two RBI.  Third baseman Pat O’Malley, second baseman Tom Connors and centerfielder Justin Harrison each had one hit and scored one run.

Shamsabady picked up three hits with two RBI for the Pilots while cather Bryan Stebbings smashed a solo homerun to left field off Clapper in the sixth for his only hit of the game.  Reliever Chris Steadman (1-0) picked up the win for LSUS with Zach Ray closing the Badgers down in the ninth for his first save of the season.

SHC plays LSU-Shreveport in a doubleheader on Saturday at Stan Galle Field beginning at 1 p.m.