Sterlington, La. - The No. 2 Central Methodist baseball program fell in the opening game of the Cajun Collision to No. 10 LSU-Shreveport by a score of 2-1 Thursday night in Sterlington, La. 

The Eagles suffer their first loss of the 2022 campaign, as they now stand at 4-1. The Pilots improve to 7-1. 

The opening game of the tournament was a pitcher's duel, as there were only two total runs scored through the first five innings of play, both being plated in the third inning. 

The Pilots grabbed the lead in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single, which brought the runner home from second base. Desipte drawing a walk and a single in the bottom of the seventh, the Eages were unable to bring any runners home, ultimately falling 2-1. 

Senior ace Nick Merkel pitched another gem on the bump, as the Spokane, Wash. native tossed six innings. He gave up only two runs on two hits along with seven strikeouts. 

The Central bats tallied three hits on the evening, as Bobby Nichols, Grant Victor, and Jeff Vance each recorded a hit. Nichols, Robbie Merced, and Khalil Thrasher each drew a walk as well. 

The Eagles continue Collision action with a matchup against Cumberland (Tenn.) Friday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 a.m. 

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