Box Score

HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team recorded a series victory over Incarnate Word on Sunday, as the Lions defeated the Cardinals 5-4 in walk-off fashion at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.
 
But the exciting, bottom-of-the-ninth slide into home wasn't the only victory at The Pat. After the game, Lion players, coaches, and athletic staff members removed their ball caps and shaved their heads in front of the home crowd… all to support the Vs. Cancer Foundation.
 
During the 2014 season, Lions baseball has been raising money and awareness to support the non-profit organization dedicated to aiding families in their fight against pediatric cancer. Players and fans have been collecting donations over the past few weeks; and as of Sunday's game, a total of $5,870 has been raised.
 
"This shows that we're united in a cause, not just united on the baseball field," said Lions pitching coach Daniel Latham. "We've got some great young men who want to help those in their community, as well as play baseball; and an event like this gives them a chance to do so."
 
Armed with electric razors, four stylists from Jeanne Maureen's Salon and Spa gathered at home plate and shaved the heads of nearly every member of Lions baseball. Even the game's guest of honor, Samantha Smith, got a chance to "lower the ears" of junior infielder Kevin Carr.
 
Samantha, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2009, has been in remission for almost five years. She threw out the ceremonial first pitch and was guest announcer for an inning on her special day with Lions baseball.
 
"A lot of people don't know what those kids go through on a daily basis," said senior infielder Jesse Buratt. "And that really hit home for a lot of us. We wanted to help out in any way we could. I'm just really glad to be a part of it."
 
Half of the proceeds are designated for national childhood cancer research, while the other half will be donated to local childhood cancer hospitals. The Lions will donate their local portion to the Ochsner Cancer Institute in New Orleans.
 
"Some of the money will stay local, so that allows us to see an impact," said Latham. "We didn't make it mandatory, but you can see quite few guys who've been growing their hair out for this event. It's important to our guys."
 
Since the fight against childhood cancer is not over, you can help Lions baseball support the Vs. Cancer Foundation. If you would like to #LionUp and join in, please visit http://Lions.vs-cancer.org.