PINEVILLE – Louisiana Christian University's baseball team remained undefeated in 2023 after claiming a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Wiley College on Monday.
 
The win over Wiley capped a weekend that also saw the 'Cats sweep an exhibition doubleheader over John Melvin University, a new school and athletic program located in Crowley, La.
 
In Monday's triumph over Wiley College, LCU (5-0) ceded a run in the second inning before responding with the tying and go-ahead runs in the bottom of the fourth. UNO transfer Drake Angeron tied the game on the inning's first pitch when he belted a home run down the right field line.
 
The 'Cats scored the go-ahead run when Haydon Helms followed Angeron's blast with a double, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt from Ju'Juan Franklin, and then scored on Nicholas Brunet's single.
 
Six different pitchers saw action in the non-conference win, with Dylan Beier picking up the victory. Seth Whitney struck out the final two batters to pick up the save.
 
LCU got their last five of their last seven outs on strikeouts, as Blake Windham struck out three batters in one and one-third inning of relief.
 
In Sunday's exhibition doubleheader, it was catcher Jonathan Soto Larrion who was the hero in game one. His two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning gave LCU a three-run lead, just the cushion the 'Cats needed as John Melvin rallied for two in the seventh and final inning before Jayden Drake secured the save.
 
The second game saw the Wildcats overcome a 6-1 deficit and defeat John Melvin 13-9. Sladen Lyles went 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored to lead the 'Cats. Eddie Baez went 1-for-3 with a pair of RBIs, while catcher Chris Kelley earned his two RBIs by getting hit by pitches with the bases loaded twice in the game. 
 
LCU returns to action this week when the 'Cats visit Sterlington, La. for games against some of the NAIA's premier baseball programs. The Wildcats open the weekend with a 2:30 p.m. contest Friday against Mid-America Christian (Okla.), and then face Southeastern (Fla.) on Saturday at 2 p.m. 
 
All games this weekend's Cajun Collision will be played at the Sterlington Sports Complex.
 
– LCU –