April 17, 2018

Gents Drop Final Non-Conference Game to East Texas Baptist, 7-5

East Tex. Baptist

19-5

Centenary (La.)

19-13

Final

East Tex. Baptist

Centenary (La.)

SHREVEPORT, La. - The Diamond Gents were able to overcome an early deficit to take a 3-2 lead, but the Tigers scored five unanswered and held on for the victory as Centenary (19-13) lost to East Texas Baptist, 7-5 Tuesday night, April 17.

After East Texas Baptist used two hit batters, two walks, and a sacrifice fly to score two in the top of the first, Centenary scored a pair of its own in the bottom of the frame. Freshman Peyton Cormane and sophomore Cody Crowder walked to begin the inning then stole second and third to move into scoring position. Senior Ian Graham added an RBI groundout and a two-out double by sophomore Cameron Guin tied the game.

The Gents took the lead in the second. With one out, senior Cole Lavergne singled, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on junior Andrew Russell's sacrifice fly.

After East Texas Baptist tied the game in the third, the visitors used the home run swing to take the lead for good. Jeremy Bateman and Seth Mikeska led off the fourth and fifth with solo shots. Landen Barns added a two-run shot in the sixth to open a 7-3 Tigers lead.

Centenary responded in the sixth when Guin and freshman Preston Ludwick hit back-to-back, one-out doubles to cut the deficit to three. Centenary scored another in the ninth with senior Chris Zapata's two-out RBI single, but the Gents climbed no closer.

Guin and Ludwick both led Centenary from the plate, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Guin added a run scored. Freshman Connor Poche (1-2) took the loss, allowing two runs and five hits in 3.2 innings of relief.

Bateman led East Texas Baptist with two hits in four at-bats with two runs scored and an RBI. Chad Boudreaux (1-1) picked up the win in relief, allowing one hit in 0.2 innings of work. Call Florence allowed a hit but got the final two outs in the ninth for his fifth save of the season.

Centenary continues its seven-game home stand this weekend, April 20-21, when it welcomes Austin College. First pitch of game one is set for Friday night at 6 p.m.