SHREVEPORT, La. – It was LSUS’ Kyle Mace’s on fire bat who helped the Pilots win the first of two games in a double-header against the Paul Quinn Tigers, 10-6. In the second game of the non-conference event, good pitching from Marcus Calhoun and strong offensive innings from the LSUS squad gave the home team a 4-1 win to complete a sweep of the series.

Mace went 3-4 in the first game with two home runs and five RBIs. His bat alone accounted for half of his entire team’s runs.

Along with Mace, Dusty Maddox also hit a bomb over right-center field and had a double. Right-fielder Chris Frye, who usually plays in left field, went 2-3 with two RBIs and a triple. Dustin Bissonnette, Scott Talley and Chase Cox each tacked on singles.

LSUS shortstop Brandon Magierowski made a fantastic defensive play in the fifth inning to end a potentially big inning for the Tigers. With runners in scoring position and two outs, starting pitcher James Thomas got Paul Quinn’s Jeremy Bourland to hit a sharp grounder towards Magierowski, yet to the third base side. The shortstop cleanly made the tough play and threw to first baseman Patrick Thompson for the last out of the inning.

Thomas received the win in the first competition by going five innings, giving up three hits, striking out three and allowing two runs.

In the second game of the night, Calhoun pitched a strong 6 1/3 innings and comfortably shut his opponents down as his team steadily added runs to ensure the win.

Calhoun gave up one run on four hits. Mark Bignell pitched in the seventh inning to get the save when there were two runners on and one out. He worked his way out of the jam to seal the win.

Once again, Mace’s presence at the plate helped his team as he knocked in two runs with sacrifice flies. Frye also scored twice due to his two hits and three stolen bases. Bryan Cooksey had a single and double and performed exceptionally well playing at the shortstop position, and Bissonnette included an RBI single.

The Pilots (32-10) will take on non-conference opponent Southern Arkansas University on Wednesday in a nine inning game at 6:30 p.m. at home.

By Chrissy Chiri