Shreveport, LA | April 14, 2026 — Road test? Passed. 

Nelson Baseball walked into one of the toughest environments in the NAIA and walked out with a gritty 6-5 win over No. 4 LSU Shreveport, leaning on timely hitting, relentless pressure, and lockdown pitching when it mattered most.

The Lions wasted no time setting the tone, exploding for three runs in the opening inning. That early punch put LSU Shreveport on its heels and gave Nelson control from the jump.

At the center of it all was Drew "Drippy" Ortiz, who delivered in a big way with a 3-for-5 performance, including a home run and two RBIs. He set the tone offensively, and the lineup followed. Nelson piled up 15 hits on the day, with Odnal Rivera collecting three hits of his own to keep the pressure on, while Mitchell Baker added three more knocks in a complete team effort at the plate. 

Joshua Pinter added a key home run, while Zeke Velazquez and TJ Sweat each drove in runs as the Lions continued to apply pressure throughout the game. 

But this one wasn't easy.

The Pilots responded with a surge in the middle innings, plating three in the fourth and two more in the fifth to tie the game and shift the momentum. With the game hanging in the balance, Nelson needed a response.

They got it from the bullpen.

Cash Eckermann delivered the outing of the day, shutting down LSU Shreveport across three scoreless innings to earn the win. His ability to control the moment and silence a dangerous lineup proved to be the difference. 

From there, the Lions executed down the stretch. Pitching held firm, the defense stayed clean, and Nelson found a way to manufacture the go-ahead run and close the door in the final innings.

It was a complete performance showcasing: offense, pitching, and composure against one of the nation's top teams.

And it wasn't the first time.

Earlier this season, Nelson made a statement at home with a 12-6 win over LSU Shreveport on March 3 in Waxahachie. Now, with a road win added to the resume, the Lions have proven they can rise to the moment against elite competition.

Next Up
The Lions return home to the Lions Athletic Complex for Sooner Athletic Conference action, hosting Central Christian College (Kan.) on Friday, April 17 at 3:00 PM.

With momentum building and confidence high, Nelson looks to carry its edge back to Waxahachie and continue stacking wins.

Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.