MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ben Robichaux, Parker Coley and Ryan Brome all blasted home runs Friday as the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team defeated Memphis, 7-4, in the series opener at FedExPark Avron Fogelman Field.
 
Southeastern (11-2) also got lock-down pitching from Brennan Stuprich and Brady St. Pierre to clinch the non-conference victory.
 
Memphis (8-5) struck first, picking up a run in the third inning off Stuprich. Memphis shortstop Creek Robertson led off the inning with a hustle double inside the third-base bag, one of two hits Stuprich gave up in the game. Robertson advanced on a groundout to first base and scored on a passed ball.
 
Tiger starting pitcher Seth Garner kept the SLU bats in check until the fifth when Robichaux launched an opposite-field shot with one out to tie the game, 1-1. It was the second home run of the season for the junior from Plaquemine, Louisiana.
 
The Lions forced Garner out of the game in the seventh. Conner O'Neal and Mo Little ripped back-to-back singles to open the frame. After recording a strikeout, Memphis brought in reliever Seth Cox to face Coley. The senior from Sterlington, Louisiana blasted the 2-2 offering from Cox two rows deep into the parking lot behind the SLU bullpen in deep left-center field. Coley's third homer of the season gave Southeastern a 4-1 lead.
 
Brome added to the lead three batters later, launching his team-leading sixth of the season. The two-run blast put the Lions up, 6-1.
 
After Stuprich exited, the game tightened up after a bases-loaded double by Tiger third baseman Will Vasseur brought the Tigers within a pair, 6-4.
 
Southeastern took advantage of a pair of walks issued by Cox to open the eighth. After a groundout advanced both runners into scoring position, TJ Salvaggio scored from third on a wild pitch.
 
St. Pierre calmed things down a bit in the eighth, striking out a pair and retiring the side in order. After issuing a leadoff walk in the ninth, the freshman from LaPlace, Louisiana struck out the next three Memphis hitters to wrap up the game.
 
Stuprich (4-0) earned the win, allowing one run in his six-inning stint. The redshirt senior from Kenner, Louisiana scattered two hits and two walks, striking out six batters. St. Pierre picked up the first save of his collegiate career, striking out five of the seven batters he faced. Garner (1-1) suffered the loss, allowing three runs – all earned – in 6.1 innings pitched.
 
Brome (2-for-4) and Little (2-for-4) each contributed multiple hits at the plate for Southeastern.
 
UP NEXT
The series continues Saturday at 2:05 p.m. on ESPN+. Live stats will be available in the Lions Gameday Experience app and online at www.LionSports.net.
 
Saturday's pitching matchup features junior right-hander Lakin Polk (2-0, 0.64). The junior from Ponchatoula, Louisiana will counter Tiger senior left-hander David Case (1-2, 6.75).
 
Fans can listen to Southeastern game broadcasts in the Hammond area on KSLU 90.9 The Lion. In addition, an audio stream is available online at www.LionSports.net/ListenLive and via the Lions Gameday Experience and MyTuner Radio apps. The MyTuner app is compatible with the Apple CarPlay software available in most late-model automobiles. Search for KSLU 90.9 FM in the TuneIn app.
 
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.