In a historic win, the LSU Shreveport (La.) baseball team completed an unprecedented undefeated season (59-0) by defeating Southeastern (Fla.) 13-7 to secure the 2025 NAIA Baseball National Championship. The championship game took place at the Avista NAIA World Series held in Lewiston, Idaho, marking the Pilots’ first national title in any sport.
The victory didn’t come without challenges. Southeastern surged early, scoring four runs in the first two innings, highlighted by a double from James Strom and a triple from Charlie Collins, who finished the game with two hits and two RBIs. However, LSU Shreveport quickly responded, cutting the deficit and eventually taking the lead through a combination of aggressive hitting and good base running, including a pair of critical back-to-back solo home runs in the sixth inning from Jackson Syring and Ian Montz.
Despite trailing several times, the Pilots remained resilient. After narrowing Southeastern’s lead and eventually seizing control of the game, they extended their advantage with additional runs driven in by Anthony Swenda, Diego Aragon, and Ryan Davenport. The pitching for LSUS was solid, with Kenneth Schlechter earning the win, bringing his record to 4-0, while the loss was charged to Southeastern’s Bryce McDonald.
Looking ahead, the win indicates the potential for future successes for LSU Shreveport, as they have demonstrated both skill and tenacity throughout the season. This achievement may inspire both the athletes and the community, serving as a testament to the power of perseverance and teamwork.
It’s worth noting that the tournament’s conclusion also led to the selection of the 2025 Avista NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team, celebrating the standout players of the event.