HAMMOND, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team picked up its second run-rule victory of the week, defeating Houston Christian, 12-2, in seven innings Friday in the opening game of a Southland Conference series at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.
 
With the win, Southeastern (26-17, 14-8 SLC) moved into a first-place tie with Lamar (22-18, 14-8 SLC) in the conference standings following the Cardinals' series-opening loss at New Orleans.
 
The Lions jumped out in front with three runs in the first inning, knocking out HCU (18-22, 10-12 SLC) starting pitcher Trent Barnes before he could record an out.
 
Brooks Wright helps spark a four-run second with a one-out home run to right field. The solo shot was his third of the season. Back-to-back walks to Ben Robichaux and Connor Cuff followed. Brody Capps, Peyton Woods and Justin Williams proceeded to deliver consecutive RBI singles.
 
After back-to-back doubles led to a pair of runs for the Huskies in the third, SLU answered with another homer in the bottom of the frame. Blaise Priester smashed a towering shot to left-center leading off the inning, putting the Lions up, 8-2. It was his seventh of the season.
 
Woods delivered another RBI single in the sixth and, following a bases-loaded walk by Robichaux in the seventh, Cuff called game with a two-run single to center.
 
Nik Toups (4-1) earned the win, allowing two runs – both earned – in 6.0 innings of work. He scattered six hits and one walk, striking out three batters. Barnes (0-3) suffered the loss, being charged with three runs while failing to record an out.
 
Capps (2-for-4), Cuff (2-for-4), Priester (2-for-4) and Woods (2-for-3) produced a pair of hits each for SLU.
 
UP NEXT
The series, sponsored by North Oaks Health, continues Saturday at 1 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
Fans can listen to all the Southeastern baseball action locally on KSLU 90.9 The Lion or worldwide online at either www.LionSports.net/listenlive or www.LionUpRadio.org, via the following apps – Lions Gameday Experience, Live365, iHeart, Audacy, TuneIn and MyTuner Radio - or on Alexa speakers (skill must be enabled first). All you have to say is, "Alexa, play K.S.L.U."
 
Saturday is Baseball Bingo at the Ballpark. Each Saturday during the season, fans can grab a bingo card from the marketing and promotions table in the concourse and play along. The first 25 valid bingos win a prize from Southeastern Athletics.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics enforces a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. The policy mirrors the safety precautions required for entrance to professional and collegiate sporting venues throughout the country. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/Clear.
 
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 the 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 on both Android and iOS, the Gameday app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.