Louisiana State University Eunice

June 2, 2006
Game 6
LSU-Eunice shuts out Grand Rapids to claim in NJCAA Division II World Series Championship

MILLINGTON, TN – Brett Durand tossed a complete-game, two-hit, shutout to lead Louisiana State University at Eunice (52-11) to a 3-0 win over three-time defending champion Grand Rapids in the national championship game of the NJCAA Division II World Series Friday at USA Stadium. Durand (10-2) allowed only two infield hits and a walk while striking out nine. GRCC had gone 33 straight games in Millington without being shutout, dating back to their first game ever in the World Series in 1993.

Left fielder Matt Collins was the offensive hero of the night, driving in the first two runs for LSUE on a triple and single, respectively. He also made a spectacular diving catch in the outfield to keep the Raiders at bay. Matt Berard had two hits for the Bengals as well.

Ben Knuth (8-4) took the loss for the Raiders, as Grand Rapids finished the season 40-21.

The national title is the first for LSU-Eunice; their previous best finish was third in their debut appearance in the tournament in 2004.
 

June 1, 2006
Game 5
LSU-Eunice’s big inning propels them over Grand Rapids, into winner-take-all championship game in NJCAA Division II World Series

MILLINGTON, TN – Louisiana State University at Eunice (51-11) was able to accomplish Thursday night what no team in 17 straight games has been able to at USA Stadium – a defeat of Grand Rapids, the three-time defending national champion. LSUE’s 7-3 win over GRCC (40-20) forces a decisive winner-take-all championship game on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Bengals plated six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, as the team recorded a double, two triples, and a homer in the frame.

Bryan Jaeger went 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Rickey Noland blasted his fourth homer of the year. Matt Berard also had two hits for the Bengals. Seven different players recorded one hit each for Grand Rapids .

Corey Chapman kept the Raider bats at bay most of the evening. He allowed seven hits and three runs in six and one-third innings of work, striking out nine. Thomas Tillery tossed two and two-thirds hitless innings to earn his fourth save of the season. Andre Benjamin (8-2) took the loss for the Raiders, tossing four plus innings.
 

May 31, 2006
Game 4
LSU-Eunice earns championship berth, rematch with Grand Rapids in NJCAA Division II World Series

MILLINGTON , TN – Louisiana State University at Eunice (50-11) broke open a 3-3 game with two runs in the top of the sixth and an insurance run in the ninth to eliminate Brookdale Community College (N.J.) 6-3 in the NJCAA World Series Wednesday. With the win, the Bengals advance to their first national championship game – a rematch with Grand Rapids Community College ( Mich. ). The Raiders defeated LSUE 11-6 Tuesday night in the winner’s bracket final.

Brandon Richey led the offense for LSU-Eunice going 3-for-3 with a homer, two runs, and RBI, reaching base in all five plate appearances. Matt Berard, Leonard Porche, and Paige Hodges each drove in a run for LSUE.

Carlos Guzman had three of Brookdale’s five hits, including a double and a home run.

Nate Duhe (13-1) tossed a complete game for Eunice, scattering five hits and allowing only two earned runs. Ramon Guzman (2-2) took the loss for the Jersey Blues (43-10).

The championship game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Thursday night. If LSU-Eunice defeats Grand Rapids, the if necessary game will be played at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
 

May 30, 2006
Game 3
Grand Rapids advances to NJCAA Division II World Series championship game with 11-6 win over LSU-Eunice

MILLINGTON, TN – Grand Rapids Community College (40-19) showed the poise of a veteran team, not panicking when they fell behind 6-2 early, and rebounded to defeat LSU-Eunice 11-6 in the winner’s bracket final of NJCAA Division II World Series. GRCC will be playing for their fourth consecutive title, as they advanced to the title game for the fourth consecutive year – a feat that has never been accomplished before in the Division II World Series.

The Raiders looked as tough as ever, as they strung together nine unanswered runs and silenced the hot bats of LSUE. Sean O’Rourke (6-2) picked up the win in relief for GRCC, allowing three runs in five and one-third innings. When O’Rourke got in trouble, Eric Lawrence claim in and slammed the door on LSU-Eunice, allowing only two hits over the final three and two-thirds innings. He picked up his thirteenth save of the season.

Sam Palace , Charlie Dunneback, and Brian Baker led GRCC with two hits each, and seven different Raiders knocked in a run. Kyle Suire led the charge for LSU going 3-for-4 with two triples and three RBI, while Matt Berard blasted his sixth homer of the season. Josh Pomier also had three hits, including a double.

LSU-Eunice will now play Brookdale Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. , with the winner of that game advancing to take on Grand Rapids in the championship on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. If the loser’s bracket team defeats GRCC, the additional game will be played Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

May 28, 2006
Game 2
LSU-Eunice capitalizes on Elgin miscues to claim 5-1 victory in NJCAA Division II World Series

MILLINGTON, TN – An intentional walk, hit batter, failed pickoff, and wild pitch proved to be the difference in the game as LSU-Eunice (49-10) scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to claim a 5-1 win over Elgin Community College (47-15) Sunday in the NJCAA Division II World Series. Bengals starter Brett Durand silenced the Elgin bats, as he scattered five hits and allowed only one unearned run in eight innings.

Dustin Guidry had two hits for LSUE, while Bryan Jaeger and Kyle Suire each had an RBI. Paul Griffin recorded two hits for Elgin .

Durand improved to 9-2 on the season, and Matt Broussard came in to shut the door on Elgin in the ninth. Ryan Pollard tossed a complete game in the losing effort.

LSU-Eunice advances to play the winner of Grand Rapids and Brookdale at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, while Elgin will face Allegany at 7:30 p.m. Monday in an elimination game.

May 27, 2006
Game 1
LSU-Eunice pounds St. Louis - Forest Park 17-0 Saturday in NJCAA Division II World Series first round

MILLINGTON, TN – Louisiana State University at Eunice (48-10) scored early and often as they pummeled St. Louis – Forest Park (35-19) 17-0 in a run-rule shortened five inning game in the NJCAA Division II World Series Saturday. Every batter in the starting line-up for the Bengals had a hit and scored in the win.

Leonard Porche and Dustin Guidry led the way with two hits and three RBI each. Guidry hit his 5th homer of the season in the fourth inning. Brandon Richey, Kyle Suire, Josh Pomier, and Rickey Noland also had two hits for LSUE.

Nate Duhe (12-1) was nearly unhittable for the Bengals going four innings to pick up the win. Ronnie Martin (10-3) took the loss for St. Louis .
LSU-Eunice advances to take on Elgin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday. St. Louis – Forest Park will play Mesa at 9:00 a.m. in an elimination game.