ILB Highlights Breakout Players

Pictured:  Justin Boudreaux looks to have a breakout season in 2010.

With three of his top hitters from 2009 returning, to go along with two weekend starters and his All-American closer, Coach Jay Artigues has a rock solid foundation to build his 2010 team.  A team that will be expected to contend for the Southland Conference title and earn Southeastern’s first NCAA Regional bid since 1994.

While losing the school’s all-time hits leader in Ty Summerlin and RBI machine Brandon Street the Lions welcome back the nucleus of their lineup in OF Cass Hargis, C/3B Josh Cryer, and 1B Joe Sparacino. However, Artigues will need some role players to step up and “swing it” at the plate. On the mound Ryan Boudreaux and Brandon Efferson return as weekend starters. Chris Franklin returns as the Lions closer. But more importantly Artigues will need some reliable arms to replace 14 wins, 166 strikeouts, and 160 innings pitched by Brian McCants, Robert Rugg, Ryan Collins, and Chris Cappo.

Inside Lions Baseball takes a look at some players who will be looking to have breakout seasons and become the support structure to the foundation of the 2010 baseball season.

Justin Boudreaux So IF – As a true freshman Boudreaux started 57 of 59 games in the middle infield. He hit a productive .268 for the Lions, as he drove in 34 runs on 52 hits to go along with 4 HRs and 42 runs scored. His most productive day in the green and gold was at Sam Houston State where he went 4-5 with 2 RBIs and his homerun in the 10th inning propelled the Lions to a 7-5 series clinching win. Boudreaux also played a stellar shortstop where he made some big time plays.

Phil Freeman Sr OF – After filling in for the injured Xavier Qualls in the 2008 conference tournament, where he hit .275, drove in 4 runs, and made some game saving plays in left field, Freeman enjoyed more opportunities in 2009. The strong-armed outfielder made the most of those opportunities by hitting.343 with 14 RBIs, 7 stolen bases, and a .407 OBP while playing in 40 games.

Cody Gougler So OF/DH – The switch hitting sophomore brought some swagger to the Lions lineup in 2009. With his free swinging approach Gougler hit .309 and drove in 29 runs to go along with 8 doubles and 1 HR. He finished the season with a .401 OBP, as he started 29 games at DH and 6 games in right field.

Josh Janway So RHP – Another true freshman who saw considerable time in 2009, Janway led the Lions with a 4.50 ERA. Janway picked up his first collegiate win when he threw 5.2 innings in relief at Louisiana-Lafayette and at one point retired 9 straight batters. His performance in the ULL game earned him a spot as a mid week starter. His effectiveness as a mid week starter led him to being the Lions Sunday starter for most of the conference slate. Janway finished the season with a 4-2 record and logged 60 innings.

Justin Schneider – So RHP – After coming off of Tommy John surgery during the 2008 season Schneider saw limited action during 2009. While making 8 appearances he recorded 6 strikeouts in 12.1 innings.

Others to Watch:
Trey Martin Jr OF
Torin Lucas So C
Chris Ernest Sr IF
Taylor Wax So RHP

(Photo taken by Helen Addison)