HAMMOND, La. – Senior right-hander Will Kinzeler logged six strong innings Sunday at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, combining with three other pitchers to lock down the Tarleton State bats as the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball program defeated the Texans, 5-2, to clinch the season-opening series.
 
Kinzeler (1-0) held the Texans scoreless through five, extending the SLU streak to 18.1 consecutive innings in the series. While Kinzeler efficiently disposed of the Tarleton hitters, Southeastern's bats staked the native of Covington, Louisiana to a 3-0 lead.
 
For the third time in the series, the Lions picked up a run in the first inning. With one out, first baseman Ryan Brome reached on an infield single. After stealing second, Brome scored on Shea Thomas' two-out RBI single through the left side.
 
SLU added another run in the third.
 
TJ Salvaggio led off the inning with a single through the left side, advancing to second on a wild pitch by Texan starting pitcher Braydon Risley (0-1). Salvaggio advanced to third on a groundout and then scored on Brome's sacrifice fly to left field.
 
Thomas led off the fourth with a towering home run down the left-field line. The solo shot was his first of the year and the tenth of his Southeastern career.
 
A leadoff homer by Tarleton first baseman Brandon Howell in the sixth ruined Kinzeler's shutout bid and snapped the Lions' scoreless streak.
 
Right fielder Parker Coley drove in runs in the sixth and eighth, counteracting the Texans' homer and another run in the seventh.
 
Kinzeler earned the win, scattering three hits and one walk while allowing just one run in his six-inning stint. He struck out one. He combined with Dalton Aspholm (1.1), Carson Robb (0.2) and Lakin Polk (1.0) to clinch the series. Polk earned the first save of his SLU career, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three batters. Risley was saddled with the loss for the Texans.
 
Thomas (2-for-3) and Michael Curry (2-for-3) both picked up multiple hits for the Lions.
 
Southeastern returns to action Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. against South Alabama at Stanky Field in Mobile, Alabama.
 
RADIO SHOW
The next episode of Inside Southeastern Baseball with Bobby Barbier airs live Monday at noon from WiseGuys Daiquiris in Hammond. Barbier joins co-host Allen Waddell for the 60-minute radio show, talking about the latest in Southeastern baseball.
 
It can be heard locally on 90.9 The Lion (KSLU-FM), via the Lions Gameday Experience, TuneIn and MyTuner Radio apps, as well as online at either www.LionSports.net/listenlive or LionUpRadio.org. Both the TuneIn and MyTuner Radio apps are compatible with the Apple CarPlay software available in most modern automobiles.
 
WiseGuys Daiquiris is located at 14372 University Ave. and features a full bar, daiquiris, lots of TVs to watch all your favorite sports events along with a kitchen serving appetizers and pizza.
 
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.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Diamond Club and S Club (baseball) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern baseball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or by visiting www.LionUp.com.
  
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Southeastern Baseball social media accounts (@LionUpBaseball) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay engaged with the program.
 
The latest updates are also available at www.LionSports.net and the Lions Gameday Experience app. Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Gameday app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.