Bengals rally to win

PINEVILLE – The top-ranked LSU at Eunice Bengals came back from behind with a six-run breakout in the top of the fifth to score a 15-6 run Tuesday against the Louisiana College junior varsity squad.

The JV Wildcats jumped to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning, beginning when John Kidd tripled to deep right center for two RBI.

Louisiana College then added three more runs, including one on shortstop Brandt Diagle’s triple.

The Bengals’ big opportunity came three innings later, when they loaded the bases on relief pitcher Steven Jones.

A passed ball by catcher Tony Laborde allowed Jason Terrel to score LSUE’s first run.

After Boomer Blanchard struck out, Delta Cleary singled to drive in two runs, stole second, and then scored on Matt Creel’s double.

The Bengals loaded the bases again when the next relief pitcher, Tyler Brooks, walked Tyler Slocum and Kellan Bozeman.

Designated hitter Sam Fontenot singled for two runs before the JV Wildcats closed the door on LSUE, leaving the Bengals with a 6-5 lead.

The Bengals added to their lead in the next inning, with an RBI double from Boomer Blanchard and RBI singles from Cleary and Creel.

Cleary opened up the top of the eighth with a solo home run; later, Slocum singled to drive in another run.

Perry Smith then hit an inside home run to left to score himself and Slocum.

In the second half, Kidd reached on a fielder’s choice to drive in one run, narrowing LSUE’s lead to 13-6.

The Bengals added two insurance runs in the top of the ninth when Boomer Blanchard doubled and then scored on Cleary’s second home run of the game.

Starter Corey Lopez (7-0) pitched the win, giving up five earned runs off of seven hits; Lopez walked four batters during his four innings on the mound.