Hobbs, N.M. — Southwest baseball went toe-to-toe with the undefeated and top-ranked LSU Shreveport Pilots in a three-game conference series over the weekend. While the Mustangs came up short on the scoreboard in all three contests, they showed grit, toughness, and flashes of strong play against one of the NAIA's most complete teams.
Game 1 – Friday: Shreveport 7, Southwest 1
Southwest opened the series against a dominant LSU Shreveport pitching staff and had a tough time finding offensive rhythm. The Mustangs were limited to four hits, but they did break through in the fourth inning with an RBI single from A. Montiel, scoring B. Cardozo who doubled to lead off the frame.
On the mound, M. Olivas pitched six innings and allowed just two earned runs despite five Mustang errors behind him. He struck out five and walked only two. A. Rios finished the seventh inning, giving up two runs on three hits.
Game 2 – Friday: Shreveport 12, Southwest 2
Southwest put together one of its stronger offensive efforts of the series early in Game 2. In the second inning, V. Chavez and Cardozo reached base and were brought home on an RBI fielder's choice by Montiel and a sacrifice fly from S. Bonner, cutting into a 3-0 deficit.
S. Garcia led the team with three hits and provided steady defense at second base. Bonner and Montiel each drove in runs, while B. Ledezma doubled in the fifth. Pitchers J. Martin, T. Ruiz, and A. Morrison shared mound duties, with Martin taking the loss after three innings of early work.
Game 3 – Saturday: Shreveport 18, Southwest 1
Facing an offensive avalanche, the Mustangs struggled in the series finale as LSU Shreveport scored in five straight innings. Southwest's lone run came in the bottom of the second, when C. Miller drew a walk and later scored on a groundout by S. Bonner.
Despite being held to just three hits, Miller, E. Torres, and Garcia each reached base. Southwest used six different pitchers to navigate the deep and patient Shreveport lineup, with K. Carpio starting the game and Z. Rush closing it out with a strikeout in the seventh.
Coach's Reflection
Head coach Steve Appel shared honest thoughts after a tough weekend:
"We just didn't show up this weekend when the ball was put in to play. The guys were upbeat and enthusiastic, but something flipped when the first pitch of each game began. We just gave them too much and they capitalized on every mistake it felt like. There were certainly glimpses but just not enough all weekend."
"We have to regroup Monday and get our focus back. It's my job as the leader to help them move on quickly and not dwell on this weekend. I'm positive these guys will refocus their attention this week and get ready for a fun midweek and our senior weekend at home."
