Shreveport is coming off back-to-back games where the offense tee’d off. They scored 19 runs on Saturday the 18th in the final game against LCU, and then 25 runs a few days later against Central Baptist. Looking at these numbers, something has clicked offensively, and there is no better time to figure things out than right at the end of the regular season. 

Head coach Brad Neffendorf emphasized the importance of winning that last game against LCU, calling it “crucial” for the Pilot’s chances to host a regional if they are unable to take care of business in the Red River tournament. With how deep the Red River conference is this season, making any kind of run can put the champs at home for a regional. 

For Southwest, the opponent this weekend, the Pilots will not take them for granted. The Mustangs are a dangerous team right now. They have nothing to lose except to disrupt someone’s season. In their regular season meeting, LSUS was able to minimize damage when Southwest threatened to score. For LSUS offensively, it was one of their best weekends in Red River play. Neffendorf is optimistic, but noted that in this unpredictable game of baseball, anything can happen. 

The Pilots are battle tested. They got some of the best starters in the country, Hope’s Josh Landry and Arizona Christian’s Frank Wierman to name a few. They also pulled off a last-out miracle against another top pitcher in Fabian Hernandez of MACU. There have been struggles, but this team knows what it will take to defend a championship. It is just a matter of execution.