April 26, 2023

by Dustin Semore, FHU Sports Information Director

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — In their final regular-season contest, the (RV) Freed-Hardeman University Lions lost to the No. 2 LSU-Shreveport Pilots 15-5 in eight innings.

The Lions (32-17) struck first when Will McCall hammered a two-out solo shot to put FHU on top 1-0. That lead; however, proved short-lived, when a leadoff single by the Pilots ended up scoring the equalizing run.

LSUS (39-6) added another run in the bottom of the second inning to jump ahead 2-1, but the Lions took advantage of a passed ball to keep the bases moving after Christian Presley's single. After intentionally walking McCall, both Presley and McCall advanced 90 feet thanks to a wild pitch before Zach Sanders loaded the bases. Camden Madding would collect an RBI after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to score Presley. Sean Rooney shot a single through the right side to score both McCall and Sanders to put the Lions on top 4-2.

The bottom of the fourth inning saw the Pilots bring home four runs to flip the lead and take a 6-4 advantage. Adding another run in the fifth inning, LSUS gave a 7-4 lead to their bullpen. Rooney led off the top of the sixth inning with a double to left, moving to third on a passed ball, setting up Mason Libla to lift a sacrifice fly to center to score what ended up being the final FHU run. The Pilots scored runs in the remaining innings including a five-spot in the bottom of the seventh before an RBI single ended the game early with a 15-5 final.

After Nolan Wells got the nod for his career's first start, the Lions sent five more pitchers to the hill in relief. The loss was charged to Seth Creasy (3-2), despite recording a team-high three strikeouts.

Sean Rooney had the hot bat, going 2-3 with a double and two RBI. Christian Presley also tallied two base hits in the loss.

Up Next

A brand new season looms on the horizon for the Lions, as they begin their run in the postseason by hosting the Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College Blue Raiders in the first round of the Mid-South Conference Tournament. A doubleheader on Friday, April 28 beginning at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. is scheduled with an if-necessary game on Saturday, April 29, at 7:00 p.m.