HAMMOND, La. – Third baseman Eli Johnson blasted a pair of home runs Sunday evening, helping Team Mamba avert a weekend sweep in a 9-8 win during Southeastern Louisiana's third intrasquad scrimmage of the fall at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

The senior from Chehalis, Washington belted solo home runs in the fifth and eighth, helping spark a pair of big innings. Team Mamba would tack on a pair in each, rallying from a 6-2 deficit midway through the scrimmage. Christian Westcott, a freshman from Mandeville, Louisiana, launched a solo home run leading off the bottom of the seventh for Team Mamba, answering Tyler Finke's solo shot in the top half of the inning. 

Big defensive plays were almost as plentiful as home runs Sunday. Champ Artigues started a first-inning double play, knocking down a ball deep in the hole between first and second base. Kenneth Bell, III robbed Rhett Rosevear of an extra-base hit with a diving, over-the-shoulder grab in the right-center field gap in the second and Gaby Cruz corralled a wide return throw from first for a play at the plate, completing a game-ending double play.

Redshirt senior right-hander Noah Hughes (1-0) earned the win, allowing one unearned run in two innings of work to close out the contest. Right-hander Harrison Haley (0-1) suffered the loss. The sophomore transfer from Hinds CC allowed four runs – three earned – in two innings of relief. Freshmen righties Will Kinzeler (3.2 IP) and Brennan Stuprich (2.2) both looked strong in the outings, allowing one run each.

Four players, including Johnson (2-for-3), enjoyed multi-hit performances. Finke (2-for-4), Christian Garcia (2-for-4) and Matt Taylor (2-for-4) each produced a pair of hits. Finke also led all players with three RBIs. Johnson, Nick Ray, Taylor and Westcott each drove in a pair.

DIAMOND CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the baseball program are encouraged to join the Diamond Club. Lion baseball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
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SOCIAL MEDIA
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