ENID, Oklahoma – Top seed LSU Eunice opened up World Series play with a statement.
The Bengals (47-6) used a complete game from Jerry Couch and late offensive fireworks to score a 9-1 victory over Phoenix College in seven innings on Sunday night.
It was the Bengals’ 18th run-rule victory of the season.
Couch and the Bengals defense was the story early as LSUE held Phoenix at bay with a 2-0 lead through four innings. Couch retired the side in order in the second and fourth innings behind terrific defensive plays from middle infielders Brady Hebert and Jack Merrifield.
Couch tossed a complete game as he scattered one earned run off three hits and two walks. The sophomore improved to 11-1 on the campaign with three punch outs including one in a perfect final frame.
LSUE took the lead for good in the second inning as Bryce LaRocca launched a two-out home run over the left field wall. Jarrett McDonald added another run in the third with a RBI triple.
LaRocca tied a season-high with a three hit night, driving in a pair and scoring three times. McDonald and LeJeune also had multi-hit games in the Bengals 10-hit output.
LSUE turns its attention to Kellogg CC for a winner’s bracket matchup on Monday at 4:00 P.M.