HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana second baseman Brett Hoffman enjoyed the first three-hit game of his career Saturday as the Lions knocked off Texas Southern, 7-6, at a chilly Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

With a constant, stiff breeze out of the north, persistent cloud cover and a wind chill in the mid-30s, pitchers from both teams battled control issues throughout the game. There were a combined 13 walks, five wild pitches and three hit batters in a game that neither team led by more than two runs.

“It wasn't baseball weather, but you've got to take advantage of every opportunity when you come out here,” Artigues said. “[Lion starter] Tate Scioneaux didn't have his best stuff, but he kept us in the game until our bats could warm up.”

Southeastern (7-2) took advantage of Texas Southern's wildness, with three of the Lions' seven runs reaching base on either a walk or hit by a pitch.

After Texas Southern took an early, 1-0 lead, the Lions tied the game in the third inning. Hoffman followed Ladd Rhodes' first double of the game with a single. With one out and runners on the corners, Jesse Buratt's fielder's choice erased the lead runner. Harry Slade walked to load the bases, allowing Hoffman to score easily from third on the ensuing wild pitch to Aaron Haag.

The Tigers took the lead back with a pair of fourth-inning runs, but Southeastern answered with three of its own for a 4-3 lead. Texas Southern (7-5) came right back to tie the game with a run in the fifth.

Southeastern chased Tiger starter Robert Pearson with one out in the sixth after he hit Corey Bryan. Rhodes greeted reliever Michael Starkey with his second double of the game, putting runners at second and third. Hoffman followed with his second single, driving in Bryan for a 5-4 lead. Ben Hernandez plated Rhodes with a ground-out to second.

“Ladd [Rhodes] is a very mature hitter and did a great job stepping up for us today,” Artigues said. “If you put a lot of pressure on the other team, and we get him rolling, it definitely helps.”

Texas Southern chased Jason Greenleaf, the third of five Lion pitchers, tying the game in the seventh, 6-6.

The Lions regained the lead for good in the eighth, as Rhodes drew a one-out walk and moved into scoring position on Hoffman's bloop single behind the third-base bag. Buratt drove in Rhodes with a single to right.

Freshman Kyle Cedotal (2-1) picked up the win in relief and Dylan Hills earned his third save of the season. Texas Southern reliever Adrian Losoya (1-2) was saddled with the loss.

Senior left-hander Jordan Hymel (0-1) is scheduled to start on the mound for the Lions in the series finale.

Sunday's game can be heard in the Hammond area on KSLU-FM (90.9), on the internet through the Southeastern athletics website as well as on the KSLU iPhone and TuneIn Radio apps. Live stats, as well as a live video stream through LionVision, will be available. Links to audio, stats and video are located on the baseball schedule page at  www.LionSports.net.

The series finale is Academy Family Sunday in the Park. Roomie's Kid Zone, sponsored by Academy Sports and Outdoors, will be open down the left-field line featuring a bounce house and other family-friendly activities. Kid's are welcome to join the Lions on the field for the national anthem and to run the bases after the game. The baseball team will sign autographs after the game.

Fans will also have a chance Sunday to enjoy the Raising Cane's Challenge. If the Lions score five or more runs, fans presenting their ticket stub (or student coupon), and purchasing a combo at a participating Raising Cane's, will receive a free combo of equal or lesser value (through the following day).

Southeastern La. 7, Texas Southern 6 (Mar 02, 2013 at Hammond, La.)
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Texas Southern...... 010 210 200  -  6   9  1      (7-5)
Southeastern La..... 001 302 010  -  7 10  1      (7-2)
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Pitchers: Texas Southern – Pearson, Robert; Starkey, Michael (6); Losoya, Adrian (7) and Garza, Andrew. Southeastern La. - Scioneaux, Tate; Pittari, Matt (5); Greenleaf, Jason (5); Cedotal, Kyle (7); Hills, Dylan (9) and Fisher, Jameson.

Win-Cedotal, Kyle (2-1)  Save-Hills, Dylan (1)  Loss-Losoya,Adrian (1-2)  T-3:00  A-815
Weather: Cloudy, 48, Wind N 17 mph