HAMMOND, La. – Junior designated hitter Rhett Centanni delivered a game-winning home run with two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday, as the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team walked off with a 7-6 victory over the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in non-conference action at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.
 
Southeastern (21-13) has won eight of its last nine games since facing the Ragin’ Cajuns (19-14), March 24, in Lafayette, Louisiana.
 
Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first. The Lions tied the game up with a solo homer from Justin Williams and back-to-back doubles from Peyton Woods and Centanni. Williams’ solo shot was his seventh of the season and second in as many games.
 
Ben Robichaux gave the Lions the lead, 4-2, in the second with a two-run homer to right-center field. It was his eighth of the season and also his second in as many games.
 
The Ragin’ Cajuns tied the game with single runs in the third and fifth, 4-4, but SLU took the lead right back in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Back-to-back singles by Brody Capps and Woods put a pair of runners on with one out. Centanni then worked a walk to load the bases. A fielder’s choice groundout by Alex Perry brought in Capps with the go-ahead run and Dane Watts delivered an RBI double to plate Woods.
 
A dropped fly ball led to an unearned run in the eighth for the Ragin’ Cajuns, cutting the SLU advantage in half, and an infield single to lead off the ninth led to the tying run.
 
With two outs and the bases empty in the bottom of the ninth, Centanni turned on a 1-1 slider from Ragin’ Cajun closer Cody Brasch and deposited it on top of the Southeastern hitting facility beyond the wall in left-center.
 
Nik Toups (2-1) earned the win, allowing two runs – one earned – in 2.0 innings pitched. He surrendered a pair of hits and struck out three batters. Brasch (3-2) suffered the loss, allowing one run in 0.2 innings of work.
 
The Lions produced double-digit hits for the third straight game with Capps (2-for-5), Centanni (2-for-4), Watts (2-for-4), Williams (2-for-5) and Woods (2-for-5) each contributing multiple.
 
Centanni’s walk-off homer was the first by a Lion since Connor O’Neal accomplished the feat, March 2, 2025, in a sweep-clinching win over Northwestern State, 6-5, in 10 innings.
 
UP NEXT

Southeastern hosts Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in a weekend Southland Conference series. Games against the Islanders are scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday.
 
In addition to Friday Funday, the series opener against the Islanders is Daddy Daughter Date Night. Dads can enjoy an evening of baseball, smiles, and special moments with their daughters. It’s the perfect night for quality time, cheers, and unforgettable fun.
 
Also, each Friday during the season, kids 12 and under will be able to stand alongside their favorite Lion for the National Anthem.
 
Saturday is Baseball Bingo at the Ballpark. Each Saturday during the season, fans can grab a bingo card from the marketing and promotions table in the concourse and play along. The first 25 valid bingos win a prize from Southeastern Athletics.
 
Sunday is both Military Appreciation Day and Lite It Up Blue. The Lions will celebrate Autism Awareness Day at the ballpark. Enjoy baseball, school pride, and a day dedicated to community, understanding, and inclusion. This game will include sensory-friendly adjustments to make the event enjoyable for all guests.
 
Also, each Sunday during the season, the Lions pay tribute to those who serve with free admission to the ballpark.  One complimentary ticket will be given to those with a valid military ID.
 
CLEAR BAG POLICY
Southeastern Athletics enforces a clear bag policy for all ticketed events. The policy mirrors the safety precautions required for entrance to professional and collegiate sporting venues throughout the country. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit www.LionSports.net/Clear.
 
DIAMOND CLUB / S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the baseball program are encouraged to join the Diamond Club. Lion baseball alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners.
 
All membership fees and donations to both the Diamond Club and the S Club (baseball) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern baseball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or by visiting www.LionUp.com.
  
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow the Southeastern Baseball social media accounts (@LionUpBaseball) on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to stay engaged with the program.
 
The latest updates are also available at www.LionSports.net and the Lions Gameday Experience app. Available for both Android and iOS devices, the Gameday app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
 
 
 

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