#9 Tigers ready for action
LaSalle’s baseball slate last week delivered a little bit of everything—dominance, grit, and a look at what it takes to compete with the state’s bigger programs.
The Tigers opened with a statement win, a 17–0 rout of Georgetown, before stepping into the ring with two higher‑division opponents in Division I Northwood‑Shreveport and Division II No. 8 Buckeye.
LaSalle wasted no time showing its firepower against Georgetown, as the Tigers’ offense exploded for 17 runs while the pitching staff slammed the door completely during the game held April 6. It was the kind of performance that sets a tone – aggressive at the plate, clean defensively, and confident on the mound. The Tigers got 10 runs in the first inning.
A steal of home scored one run, Street hit a grand slam to left field, Jessey Stowe singled, scoring two runs, an error scored two runs, and Hunter Boyd singled, scoring one run.
They then added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when Brodie Kirkland drew a walk, scoring one run, and Stowe doubled, scoring two runs. Stowe opened the game for the Tigers. The starter gave up one hit and zero runs over three innings, striking out six and walking one. The boys also achieved five stolen bases for the game and didn’t commit a single error. Boyd had the most chances in the field with seven balls hit his way on the day. LaSalle won the game The Tigers’ next challenge was a major step up in classification. Facing Division I Northwood‑Shreveport, but LaSalle didn’t back down. They matched the Falcons with energy and execution early, and even though LaSalle collected seven hits to Northwood-Shreveport’s six, they still fell 2-7 during the game played Thursday, April 9.
The Tigers were the first to get on board in the first when Hunter Boyd singled. Luke Lasiter, Mason Lee, Hunter Boyd, Lane Burnham, Brody Kirkland, and Kasen Maxwell each collected hits on the day. Luke Lasiter led things off on the mound for LaSalle as the freshman pitcher gave up five hits and six runs (two earned) over five innings, striking out five and walking two.
This was one of those games where the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story. LaSalle competed pitch‑for‑pitch, showing they could hang with a much larger school. Their defensive intensity and ability to manufacture scoring chances were clear positives.
The Tigers’ tough stretch continued against Buckeye on Friday, April 10, a state contender and currently ranked No. 8 in Division II Select. Buckeye had the hot hand for the day, and the Tigers fell 13-0 in the contest. Even so, these are the kinds of matchups that sharpen a young team for growth.
LaSalle’s week was a study in contrasts: a blowout win followed by two battles against bigger, deeper programs. But the takeaway is clear, Coach Josh Boyett is testing his young Tiger team intentionally. Games like these build toughness, expose areas for growth, and prepare a team for the postseason grind which is coming up very soon.
The Tigers will play 4A Grant to close out the season at home on Monday, April 13 and will wait for the bracket to take shape. The LHSAA playoff brackets were released Tuesday, April 14. (Check The Jena Times Facebook page to see up-to-date playoff information.)
The year-to-year improvement has been drastic and the boys look to show proof of that this post season. Please show up and support these young men as they continue their quest to get to Sulphur and play at home to start the post season. Go Tigers!
