Heart of the Lion Series - Fan Central Update

Here is the Lion Nation fan central to the 2012 Heart of the Lion Series.  The five game series, featuring the Rougaroux against Team Grizz, will start on Friday October 26th and conclude on Friday November 2nd.  Although it is a best of five series all five games will be played.

All games are FREE and open to the public.  If you can not make it out to the The Pat for the series be sure to watch it on Lion Vision, a subscription-based video feed available on LionSports.net.

Heart of the Lion Series - Fan Central

Here is the Lion Nation fan central to the 2012 Heart of the Lion Series.  The five game series, featuring the Rougarou against Team Grizz, will start on Friday October 26th and conclude on Friday November 2nd.  Although it is a best of five series all five games will be played. 

All games are FREE and open to the public.  If you can not make it out to the The Pat for the series be sure to watch it on Lion Vision, a subscription-based video feed available on LionSports.net.

Sporting News Names Miley Rookie of the Year

The Sporting News named Arizona Diamondbacks and former Lion pitcher Wade Miley the 2012 National League Rookie of the Year earlier today.  Miley, one of the greatest players to wear the green and gold, finished the season tied for wins among all rookies with 16, lead all rookie starters with a 3.33 ERA and lead all NL rookies with 144 strikeouts.  Miley was also named to the 2012 Major League All-Star game back in July.  The Loranger native received 54 votes beating out Todd Frazier (35 votes) of the Reds and Bryce Harper (20 votes) of the Nationals in a vote of NL peers.

Click Here to View the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Article

SLU Sports Report Features Fisher

This week's Southeastern Sports Report features Lions freshmen catcher Jameson Fisher.  Fisher is the younger brother of former Lions catcher Jacob Fisher.  Fisher chose SLU after being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 24th round of the 2012 MLB draft.  The Zachary High School product hit .554 as a senior with 14 doubles, seven triples and 38 RBIs on his way to being named a Baseball America HS All-American.

Click Here to View This Week's Southeastern Sports Report

Baseball Bash set for October 20th

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team will be hosting its annual Fall Baseball Bash on Saturday October 20, 2012 in the Student Union Ballroom on the SLU campus.  This year's bash will be bigger and better than ever before, as it is headlined by the cash draw down raffle and the band "The Issue".  Doors open at 7pm and the band starts at 8:00pm.

Did You Know?

Did you know...In the Jay Artigues era (2006 - present) the Lions are 15-8 when facing a Sun Belt Conference opponent.  Since 2009 SLU is 14-3 against the Sun Belt.  The Lions also hold a nine game winning streak dating back to 2008 against Sun Belt member and in-state rival UL-Lafayette. 

SLU High School Prospect Camp Set for October 28th

The SLU Lions baseball coaching staff will be hosting a High School Prospect camp on Sunday October 28th at The Pat in Hammond, LA.  The camp will run from noon to 5:30pm and is open to grades 9-12.  The cost of the camp is $100 if you register before October 23rd.  It will be $120 after October 23rd.

This camp is designed for the high school athlete who is interested in playing baseball on the collegiate level.  It is great for juniors and seniors, as colleges are trying to finalize their current recruiting class and get a head start on next year's class.  Several college coaches and some MLB scouts have been invited to this pro style workout.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECT CAMP

Lions Staff to Host Collegiate Instructional School

Coach Jay Artigues and his staff will be hosting the Collegiate Instructional School at The Pat in Hammond, LA on Monday nights (September 17th & 24th and October 1st & 8th) with each session starting at 5pm or 7pm.  The Instructional School is designed for grades 8-12 and will be limited to first 40 players to register.  The cost of the camp is $160.

Each session will be run like a SLU practice and will be a highly intense workout with individual and team instruction.  The school will cover all major aspects of the game including hitting, fielding, pitching, and base running.  The Instructional School will give each player a chance to workout in a Division I college practice setting, work with one of the top mid-major coaching staffs in the country, and get great recruiting exposure to the Lions coaching staff.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE COLLEGIATE INSTRUCTIONAL SCHOOL

Perfect Game Names Perna One of Futures League's Top Prospects

Perfect Game recently named SLU's Vito Perna as the 18th ranked prospect in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League's top prospects for his performance this past summer.  Perna, playing for the Brockton Rox in Brockton, MA, finished the summer with a 3.10 ERA to go along with a 1-3 record. He recorded two saves and fanned 46 batters over 40.2 innings pitched.  Pulling double duty as a 3B the junior to be hit .320 with five doubles, three HR's, and 23 RBI's in 147 at-bats.

2012 Lions Baseball Highlight Video

Here is the 2012 SLU Lions baseball highlight video created by Todd Dunnington of Creative Clips Video.  Enjoy and you better be ready to LION UP in 2013!

2012 Lions Baseball Highlights

Wade's World

Congratulations to former Lion great Wade Miley, a 2012 Major League All-Star for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  Good luck with the second half of the season and your quest for National League Rookie of Year!


Miley with Chipper Jones at the 2012 All-Star Game



Lopez Named NCBWA All-American

Stefan Lopez received his second All-American honor this year as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association named the national saves leader a 1st Team All-American today.  Lopez led the nation in saves with 20 and became both the program and Southland Conference All-Time career saves leader with 30.  The New Iberia, LA native finished the season with a 0.61 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 29.1 innings, earning the SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year.  Earlier this week Lopez signed with the New York Yankees after being selected in the 16th round.

Cutura Named Freshmen All-American

Collegiate Baseball News named freshmen RHP Andro Cutura to the 2012 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team today.  Cutura, a Pearl River High (LA) product, finished the year with a 6-1 record and a 3.30 ERA, earning the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year.  In 12 starts Cutura recorded 38 strike outs while only allowing 16 walks over 76.1 innings pitched.

Cutura, who joins Stefan Lopez and Brock Hebert as 2012 All-Americans, becomes the 3rd Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American in SLU history joining current Lion Jordan Hymel (2010) and former Lion Cass Hargis (2008).

2012 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team

Closing Time on Broadway

SLU All-American closer Stefan Lopez was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball draft this morning.  Lopez, who is the Lions and Southland Conference single season and career saves leader, led the country with 20 saves giving him 30 for his career.  The New Iberia, LA native finished the year with a 0.61 ERA to go along with 42 strike outs over 29.1 innings. 

Lopez was named the SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year.

Mariners Select Hebert in 14th Round

Brock Hebert , the 2012 Southland Conference Player of the Year, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 14th round of the 2012 Major League Draft on Tuesday evening.  The South Terrebonne High product lead the SLC in hitting (.374), runs scored (58), and ranked 5th nationally in steals with 36.  Hebert was the 3rd pick of the 14th round and the 431st overall selection.

Seattle's selection of Hebert marks the 9th consecutive season a Southeastern player has been selected in the MLB Draft.

Lopez Finalist for Stopper of the Year

Junior closer Stefan Lopez has been named one of five finalist for National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award.  Lopez, the nation's saves leader, set the SLU and Southland Conference single season saves record with 20 saves this season to go along with a 0.61 ERA.  The New Iberia native, LA native recorded 42 strike outs with only five walks allowed over 29.1 innings.  His 30 career saves ranks as the most in SLC History, as he was named the 2012 SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year and Louisville Slugger All-American.

Lopez & Hebert Named All-Americans

Collegiate Baseball News named juniors Stefan Lopez and Brock Hebert to the 2012 Louisville Slugger All-American teams on Thursday. 

Lopez was named 2nd team All-American after leading the nation in saves with 20 and becoming both the program and Southland Conference All-Time career saves leader with 30.  The New Iberia, LA native finished the season with a 0.61 ERA and 42 strikeouts over 29.1 innings, earning the SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year.

On Deck - SLC Tournament

2012 Southland Conference Tournament
#2 SLU Lions (36-19, 20-13 SLC) vs #7 Central Arkansas Bears (25-28, 16-17 SLC)
Bobcat Ballpark - San Marcos, TX
7pm Wednesday May 23
Live Video Stream - SLC NOW

Click Here for SLC Tournament Info

Lions Place 7 on All-Conference Teams

The SLU Lions grabbed a league high three spots on the 1st team All-Southland Conference team as junior 2B Brock Hebert, senior 1B Jonathan Pace, and junior closer Stefan Lopez were named to the squad.  Senior OF Cody Gougler was named 3rd team All-Southland Conference. 

Junior OF Harry Slade, freshmen pitcher Andro Cutura, and sophomore pitcher Dylan Hills were named honorable mention All-Southland Conference.

2012 All-Southland Conference Teams 

Hebert, Lopez, Cutura Voted SLC Best

It has been a historical day in the way of post-season awards for the SLU Lions baseball program.  Junior 2B Brock Hebert has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Year, as well as the SLC Hitter of the Year.  Junior closer Stefan Lopez has been named the SLC Relief Pitcher of the Year and freshmen RHP Andro Cutura has been named the league's Freshman of the Year.  This marks the first time that a Lion has earned any of the SLC Player of the Year honors.

SLC Tournament Headquarters

Here is the link to all of your 2012 Southland Conference tournament information.  The tournament, being played on the campus of Texas State in San Marcos, TX, begins Wednesday and runs through Saturday.  All games are being streamed lived on SLC NOW and the championship game can be seen on ESPN3.

2012 Southland Conference Tournament Info

ILB Players of the Week - Week 14

Inside Lions Baseball has named Jordan Hymel and Alex Marse as the Players of the Week for week 14 of the 2012 season.

Lions Take Series From Cowboys, Lock Up #2 Seed

After losing the opening game of their series with McNeese State 8-6 the Lions bounced back nicely winning the final two games 12-2 and 9-5 to win the series.  With the series win SLU locked up the number two seed in this week's Southland Conference tournament on the campus of Texas State in San Marcos, TX.  The Lions finished the regular season 36-19 overall and 20-13 in the SLC.  The 36 wins marks the 6th straight year the Lions have won 32 or more games and the 4th straight year they have won 35 or more games.

Hymel Named SLC Pitcher of the Week

The Southland Conference named junior LHP Jordan Hymel as the Pitcher of the Week after his performance against the McNeese State Cowboys over the weekend.  Hymel tossed seven innings, giving up one run on seven hits and fanning five Cowboys in the Lions 12-2 win on Friday night.  After giving up one run in the first inning Hymel threw six scoreless innings and held McNeese hitless over his final three innings.

Alex Marse was recognized as honorable mention Hitter of the Week as the junior OF went 6-10 with 4 RBI's in the Lions series win over McNeese State.

Southland Conference Players of the Week

On Deck - Lions vs McNeese State

SLU Lions (34-18, 18-12 SLC) vs McNeese State Cowboys (23-26, 16-14 SLC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1:  6pm Thursday May 17
Game 2:  6pm Friday May 18
Game 3:  2pm Saturday May 19 (Senior Day)

ILB Players of the Week - Week 13

Inside Lions Baseball has named Dylan Hills and Harry Slade as the Players of the Week for week 13 of the 2012 season.

Lions Drop Series to Sam Houston

The SLU Lions dropped a heartbreaking series to Southland Conference leader Sam Houston State over the weekend.  With one weekend left to play the Lions, who are 34-18 overall and 18-12 in the SLC, are one game up on Texas State in the league standings.  SLU swept Texas State earlier in the season.  With the series win Sam Houston clinched the number one seed in the conference tournament.

On Deck - Lions vs Sam Houston State

SLU Lions (33-16, 17-10 SLC) vs Sam Houston State Bearkats (32-15, 20-7 SLC)
Don Sanders Stadium - Huntsville, TX
Game 1: 6:30pm Friday May 11
Game 2: 4pm Saturday May 12
Game 3: 1pm Sunday May 13

"Entourage" Heading to Huntsville

"Vincent Chase"

Lets just call it a way to be loose and business like all in one trip.

The SLU Lions departed from Hammond this morning heading to Huntsville, TX for their big Southland Conference series with league leader Sam Houston State.  However, the guys weren't dressed in their usual green Adidas travel shirts and khaki pants.  They boarded the bus like they were in an episode of the HBO hit series Entourage.  The coaching staff joined in on theme as skipper Jay Artigues led the way looking pretty slick. 

ILB Players of the Week - Week 12



Inside Lions Baseball has named Stefan Lopez and Harry Slade as the Players of the Week for week 12 of the 2012 season.

Walk-Off Win Clinches Series for the Lions

Junior OF Alex Marse hit a bases loaded sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth to give the SLU Lions a huge walk-off series clinching win over Stephen F. Austin at The Pat on Sunday afternoon.  The 12-11 victory over the Lumberjacks moves the Lions to 33-16 overall and 17-10 in the Southland Conference.  The Lions win, coupled with Sam Houston's loss to Texas-Arlington, moves SLU within three games of the Bearkats in the league standings, as they head to Huntsville this weekend.

Baseball Alumni Day Set for Saturday

The SLU Lions baseball team will be hosting "Alumni Day" as the Lions take on Stephen F. Austin at The Pat on Saturday.  First pitch is set 2pm.  There will be a reunion prior to the game and all all returning lettermen will be honored at the game.  Special recognition will be given to the 1978 squad.

On Deck - Lions vs Stephen F. Austin

SLU Lions (31-15, 15-9 SLC) vs Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks (18-26, 11-13 SLC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1: 6pm Friday May 4
Game 2: 2pm Saturday May 5
Game 3: 1pm Sunday May 6

Lopez Ties SLC Record as Lions Beat USA

In their 8th straight road game the Lions beat South Alabama 6-3 on Tuesday night to move to 31-15 on the season and Stefan Lopez tied the Southland Conference career saves record picking up career save number 27.  SLU had a strong finish on the road trip coming away with a 5-3 record, as they beat the Jaguars for the 3rd straight time.

On Deck - Lions vs South Alabama

SLU Lions (30-15, 15-9 SLC) vs. South Alabama Jaguars (18-26, 12-9 Sun Belt)
Stanky Field, Mobile, AL
6:30pm Tuesday May 1

ILB Players of the Week - Week 11

Inside Lions Baseball has named the Lions bullpen and Brock Hebert as the Players of the Week for week 11 of the 2012 season.

Artigues Gets Win #231 as Lions Take Series

How sweet it is to wake up on Monday mornings with a weekend series win in hand.  SLU, fighting through some shaky moments all weekend, claimed their 3rd straight Southland Conference series win over the weekend.  After dropping game one at Northwestern State 5-1 Friday night the Lions bounced back and won both Saturday and Sunday by 4-2 scores.  The series win was also the Lions 2nd straight SLC road series win.  SLU sits at 30-15 overall and 15-9 in the SLC.

Road Trip to Natchitoches

For those in the the Lion Nation heading to Natchitoches, LA this weekend to see the SLU vs Northwestern State series here are a few restaurants you need try:

Merci Beaucoup - 127 Church Street
Mama's Oyster House - 604/8 Front Street
Papa's Bar & Grill - 604/8 Front Street
Mariner's Seafood & Steakhouse - 5948 Hwy 1 Bypass
The Landing - 530 Front Street
 
Lion Up and be safe!

On Deck - Lions vs Northwestern State

SLU Lions (28-14, 13-8 SLC) vs Northwestern State Demons (15-24, 10-11 SLC)
Brown-Stroud Field - Natchitoches, LA
Game 1: 6:30pm Friday April 27
Game 2: 2pm Saturday April 28
Game 3: 1pm Sunday April 29

Big Inning Proves To Much for Lions

A four run 3rd inning dashed the Lions hopes of getting a big RPI boosting win against the #3 ranked LSU Tigers in Baton Rouge on Wednesday night.  SLU, using five different pitchers, held LSU in check for most of the game surrendering seven hits and fanning four.  However, the Lions were only able to get four hits off of seven LSU pitchers and struck out 13 times.  The Lions picked up two runs on wild pitches and a Brock Hebert triple scored their 3rd run.

On Deck - Lions vs LSU Tigers

#43 SLU Lions (28-13, 13-8 SLC) vs #3 LSU Tigers (32-9, 12-6 SEC)
Alex Box Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA
6:30pm Wednesday April 25
TV: Cox Sports Television (CST)

Poll Watching

As we go poll watching the Lions finished the week with a 3-2 record, which included a Southland Conference road series win over UTSA.  The Lions spilt their mid-week games losing on the road at Tulane and beating Jackson State at The Pat.  SLU is 28-13 overall and 13-8 in the SLC as they received votes in both the NCBWA and USAToday/ESPN Coaches' polls.  In the Perfect Game Top 50 SLU moved up 4 spots to number 43. 

ILB Players of the Week - Week 10

Inside Lions Baseball has named Andro Cutura and Brock Hebert as the Players of the Week for week 10 of the 2012 season.

Gougler Notches #200 With a Bang

When Cody Gougler stepped into the batters box in the top of the 2nd inning against UTSA he had 199 career hits.  At the end of the at bat he had joined six other Lions as the only players to notch 200 career hits in program history.  And as typical Cody Gougler, he did it with some swag.  The senior OF from Huntsville, TX gave the Lions a 1-0 lead with a solo shot to right field.

Lions Move Up One Spot in CBD Mid-Major Poll

With their 3-2 week the SLU Lions move up one spot to number 16 in the College Baseball Daily Mid-Major poll this week.  The Lions split a pair of mid-weeks game losing at Tulane 7-3 and beating Jackson State 13-2 in Hammond.  Over the weekend they won their Southland Conference series at Texas-San Antonio winning Friday and Sunday.  The Lions are 28-13 overall and 13-8 in SLC play.  SLU is joined by SLC members Sam Houston State (#6), Texas State (#11) and Texas-Arlington (#18) in the the poll.

College Baseball Daily Mid-Major Poll

Hebert Named SLC Hitter of the Week

For the second time this season Brock Hebert has been named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Week.  The Junior 2B picked up the honor after leading the Lions to a 3-2 week by hitting .429 with 3 doubles and 6 RBI's.  Freshmen RHP Andro Cutura was named honorable mention SLC Pitcher of the Week as he earned the win over UTSA on Friday night.

Hebert Named SLC Hitter of the Week

Road Series Win Over UTSA is Huge for Lions

Going on the road and winning is never an easy task in the Southland Conference.  It is even tougher when you are trying to keep within striking distance of one of the hottest teams in college baseball in the conference race and there are four games separating numbers three through eight in the standings. 

On Deck - Lions vs Texas-San Antonio

#47 SLU Lions (26-12, 11-7) vs UTSA Roadrunners (16-21, 6-12)
Roadrunner Field - San Antonio, TX
Game 1:  6pm Friday April 20
Game 2:  2pm Saturday April 21
Game 3:  1pm Sunday April 22

Lopez Named to Mid-Season Stopper of the Year List

Stefan Lopez is one of 45 players named to the mid-season watch list for the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association Stopper of the Year award.  The Stopper of the Year Award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

Lions Beat Jackson State, Keller Gets 1st Career Win

Kyle Keller, getting his first career start, picked up his first career victory as the Lions defeated Jackson State 13-2 on Wednesday night at The Pat.  Keller, a Jesuit High product, surrendered two runs on three hits and struck out three in 6.0 innings of work.  SLU put up 12 hits, as four starters collected two hits each.

On Deck - Lions vs Jackson State

SLU Lions (25-12, 11-7 SLC) vs Jackson State Tigers (25-10, 15-2 SWAC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm Wednesday April 18

Lions Drop Series to Tulane

It seems the SLU Lions bring out the best in the Tulane Green Wave this year.  For the third time this season Tulane played its best ball against the Lions earning a 7-3 victory in New Orleans.  With the win the Green Wave sweeps the three game Senator's Cup Series.  So RHP Sean Kennel, getting his first career start, suffered the loss for the Lions.  Freshman 3B Brett Hoffman stayed hot at the plate by going 2-4 with a double and collecting his 3rd two hit performance in four games.

Lions vs Tulane

SLU Lions (25-11, 11-7 SLC) vs Tulane Green Wave (25-11, 5-4 CUSA)
Greer Field at Turchin Stadium - New Orleans, LA
6:30pm Tuesday April 17, 2012

ILB Players of the Week - Week 9

Inside Lions Baseball has named Andro Cutura and the entire Lions Line-Up as the Players of the Week for week 9 of the 2012 season.

Solid Gold Sweep!

Memo to the Southland Conference.....The Lions are Baaaack!  Getting back to playing "Lions Baseball" SLU swept #34 Texas State at The Pat this weekend, outscoring the three time defending SLC champs 24-3.  With the sweep the Lions move to 11-7 in conference play and into sole possession of 2nd place in the SLC standings.  SLU sits at 25-11 overall.

From the Dugout with Cody Gougler

To get an inside look at the 2012 Southeastern Louisiana University baseball team, ILB has asked senior OF Cody Gougler to write a weekly journal giving the Lion Nation a behind the scenes look at one of the top programs in the Southland Conference. To read all of Cody's journals you can click on his picture on the left menu.

Here is journal #3 for the 2012 season.

On Deck - Lions vs Texas State

SLU Lions vs #34 Texas State Bobcats
The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1 - 6pm Friday April 13
Game 2 - 2pm Saturday April 14
Game 3 - 1pm Sunday April 15

Lion Up Shirts On Sale Now

Now you can wear the same gold "Lion Up" shirts the SLU players wear under there uniforms.  They are currently on sale at S&S Sports in Hammond.  S&S is located at 105 S. Morrison Blvd.  They are selling fast so "Lion Up" and get yours now! 

Lions vs Crimson Tide Cancelled

Due to the rain in the Hammond area, tonight's game between SLU and the Alabama Crimson Tide has been cancelled.  No make-up game has been scheduled.

The Lions will return to Southland Conference play this weekend as they host Texas State at The Pat on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Deck - Lions vs Alabama

SLU Lions (22-11, 8-7 SLC) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (13-19, 4-8 SEC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm Wednesday April 11

ILB PLayers of the Week - Week 8

Inside Lions Baseball has named Buck Bernard, Andro Cutura, and Jonathan Pace as the Players of the Week for week 8 of the 2012 season.

On Deck - Lions vs Central Arkansas

#43 SLU Lions (21-9, 7-5 SLC) vs UCA Bears (11-14, 5-7 SLC) 

The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1 - 6pm Thursday April 5
Game 2 - 6pm Friday April 6
Game 3 - 2pm Saturday April 7

Bernard, Pace Come Up Clutch in Win Over ULL

Trailing 1-0 in the top of the ninth inning and down to their final strike the Lions showed the fight that we have come accustomed to see this season.  Jonathan Pace, as cool as the other side of the pillow, roped a two run double down the left field line putting SLU up 2-1 on the UL-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns.  Then closer Stefan Lopez, a Lafayette area product, shut door on the Ragin Cajuns as the Lions won their 9th straight game over their in-state rivals. 

On Deck - Lions vs Louisiana-Lafayette

SLU Lions (20-9, 7-5 SLC) vs University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns (13-14, 3-6 Sun Belt)
M.L. "Tigue" Moore Field - Lafayette, LA
6pm Tuesday April 3