2013 Southland Conference Tournament Headquarters

The 2013 Southland Conference Tournament gets underway on Wednesday May 22nd in Sugar Land, TX. The tournament is being played at Constellation Field, home of the Sugar Land Skeeters. The Skeeters are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

SLU, the four seed, opens the tournament on Wednesday night at 7pm against the fifth seeded Lamar Cardinals. Lamar took two of three games from the Lions in Hammond during the regular season match up.

Here are some SLC tournament links to keep you updated with the latest tournament news:

Official 2013 SLC Tournament Website

2013 SLC Tournament Bracket

Tournament Ticket Information

Southland Conference Tournament Headlines

On Deck - Lions vs Stephen F. Austin

SLU Lions (25-13, 8-4 SLC) vs SFA Lumberjacks (19-17, 8-4 SLC)

Jaycees Field - Nacogdoches, TX
Game 1:  6:30pm Friday April 19
Game 2:  2pm Saturday April 20
Game 3:  1pm Sunday April 21

You Can't See Us...Lions Go With All Camo Unis

Talk about "uniform swag".  The SLU Lions have been the poster boys for uniform swag in the college baseball world, much like the Oregon Ducks have been with college football. 

First it was the "Solid Gold" digs worn when the Lions go for a series sweep.  Next we saw camouflage hats with the Southeastern "S" on the front.  No big deal.  Plenty schools wear camo hats these days.  So fashion designer Jay Artigues threw in the camouflage jerseys with the "S" on the upper left chest, which are worn with both the white and gray pants. 

On Deck - Lions vs University of New Orleans

SLU Lions (24-13, 8-4 SLC) vs UNO Privateers (5-31)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm Tuesday April 16

Week in Review - 2013 Week Nine

After routing Jackson State 13-1 at The Pat on Tuesday night the Lions logged some miles, as they headed to Tulsa, OK to face Oral Roberts in a Southland Conference series. 

As the offensive struggles continued SLU could not find a way to keep the Golden Eagles off the board.  As a result the Lions loss their second consecutive conference series.  Oral Roberts won Friday night 6-2, as the Lions could not overcome the Golden Eagles' five run first inning.  On Saturday SLU rebounded with a 4-3 victory behind a solid pitching performance by Tate Scioneaux.   But in the rubber match on Sunday Oral Roberts won going way 9-1 to clinch the series. 

On Deck - Lions vs Oral Roberts

SLU Lions (23-11, 7-2 SLC) vs Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (9-22, 4-5 SLC)
J.L. Johnson Stadium - Tulsa, OK
Game 1 - 6:30pm Friday April 12
Game 2 - 2:00pm Saturday April 13
Game 3 - 1pm Sunday April 14

On Deck - Lions vs Jackson State

SLU Lions (22-11, 7-2 SLC) vs Jackson State Tigers (18-15, 12-3 SWAC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm Tuesday April 9

Lions Fall Six Spots in CBD Mid-Major Poll

With SLU finishing last week with a 1-3 record the Lions fall six spots to number 16 in this week's College Baseball Daily Mid-Major top 25 poll.  SLU dropped a mid-week game at Alabama 9-1 and lost their Southland Conference series at home to Lamar.  Lamar won Friday night 6-2 and Sunday 18-1, as the Lions won on Saturday 7-5.  SLU is 22-11 on the season and 7-2 in the SLC.   Southland Conference members Sam Houston (12), Central Arkansas (21) and Lamar (25) are all ranked in this week's poll, as well as UL-Lafayette (22).

Week in Review - 2013 Week Eight

The SLU Lions finished the week 1-3 dropping their overall record to 22-11.  The Lions lost at Alabama 9-1 on Tuesday night and their game with South Alabama on Wednesday night was postponed due to rain in the Mobile area.  Lamar came into the The Pat and took the Southland Conference series winning 6-2 on Friday and run ruling the Lions on Sunday 18-1 in seven innings.  SLU won Saturday's game 7-5.  In the SLC standings the Lions (7-2) are tied for first place with Sam Houston. Sitting one game back in second are Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Stephen F. Austin.   The Lions will look to bounce back this week hosting Jackson State on Tuesday night and traveling to Tulsa, OK to face Oral Roberts in a SLC series this weekend.

On Deck - Lions vs Lamar

SLU Lions (21-9, 6-0 SLC) vs Lamar Cardinals (22-8, 2-4 SLC)

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

Lions and South Alabama Rainedout

Due to the rain in the Mobile area SLU's game at South Alabama scheduled for tonight has been postponed.  No makeup date has been announced.

The Lions return to action this weekend, as they face the Lamar Cardinals in a Southland Conference series at The Pat Friday (6pm), Saturday (2pm) and Sunday (1pm).

On Deck - Lions vs South Alabama

SLU Lions (21-9, 6-0 SLC) vs South Alabama Jaguars (22-8, 5-4 Sun Belt)

Stanky Field - Mobile, AL
6:30pm Wednesday April 3

SLU to Honor Former Lions This Weekend

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball program, in conjunction with the Southeastern Alumni Association, will be hosting its annual Lions Baseball Reunion this weekend as the Lions face Lamar at The Pat Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (April 5th-7th)


Former Lion players will be recognized on the field prior to Saturday's game, with special recognition given to the father-son and brother combinations that have been a part of Lion baseball history.  First pitch is set for 2pm.

To help with planning please RSVP to Larry Hymel at (985) 549-3228 or lhymel@southeastern.edu.

The Pat - "A Mid-Major Gem"

Photo by Paul Donaldson of Stadium Journey

Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field has been called "a mid-major gem" in a recent review by Stadium Journey.  Stadium Journey's special correspondent Paul Donaldson provides a in-depth review of The Pat and rates the classic ballpark on a scale of 0-5 in the following areas: Food & Beverage (2), Atmosphere (4), Neighborhood (3), Fans (4), Access (5), Return on Investment (5) and Extras (5).  Overall The Pat gets a total FanFare score of 4 by Stadium Journey.

It is great to see The Pat, one of the toughest places to play in the Southland Conference, get some recognition.

Click Here for the Stadium Journey Review of Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field

On Deck - Lions vs University of Alabama

SLU Lions (21-8, 6-0 SLC) vs Alabama Crimson Tide (17-11, 6-2 SEC)
Sewell-Thomas Stadium - Tuscaloosa, AL
6:05pm Tuesday April 2

On Deck - Lions vs Nicholls State

SLU Lions (18-8, 3-0 SLC) vs Nicholls State Colonels (14-12, 1-2 SLC)
Game 1:  6pm Thursday March 28 - The Pat-Hammond, LA
Game 2:  6:30pm Friday March 29 - Ray E Didier Field-Thibodaux, LA
Game 3:  2pm Saturday March 30 - The Pat-Hammond, LA

On Deck - Lions vs Louisiana-Lafayette

SLU Lions (18-7, 3-0 SLC) vs ULL Ragin Cajuns (17-6, 3-3 Sun Belt)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm Tuesday March 26

Week in Review - 2013 Week Six

SLU lost its first home game of the season to South Alabama on Tuesday night 13-7 but bounced back by winning four straight road games. The Lions won at Jackson State on Wednesday and then swept Northwestern State in Natchitoches in the first weekend of Southland Conference play.  SLU is now 18-7 on the season and 3-0 in SLC action, as they are tied for first with Oral Roberts.  The Lions on currently on a four game winning streak and are 8-2 in their last ten games.

SLU Holds Steady in CBD Mid-Major Poll

While finishing the week with a 4-1 record the SLU Lions remain ranked number 10 in the College Baseball Daily Mid-Major Top 25.  After losing their first home game of the season on Tuesday night 13-7 to South Alabama, the Lions bounced backed nicely winning four straight road games. On Wednesday SLU won at Jackson State 7-4 then swept their Southland Conference series opener at Northwestern State winning 3-2, 7-4 and 3-2.  On the season SLU is 18-7 and 3-0 in SLC play.

Did You Know?

Did you know.....Senior left-hander Jordan Hymel earned the 20th win of his career in the Lions 3-2 series sweeping victory over Northwestern State on Sunday.  Hymel, who is 3-2 on the season, moved into 5th place on the school's all-time wins list, tying Wade Miley (2006-08), Wayne Silva (1973-76) and Richard Simon (1970-73).  Kenny Lehrmann is SLU's all-time leader with 25 wins.

On Deck - Lions vs Northwestern State

SLU Lions (15-7, 0-0 SLC) vs Northwestern State Demons (9-14, 0-0 SLC)
Brown-Stroud Field - Natchitoches, LA
Game 1:  6:30pm Friday March 22
Game 2:  2pm Saturday March 23
Game 3:  1pm Sunday March 24

On Deck - Lions vs Jackson State

Lions (14-7, 0-0 SLC) vs Jackson State Tigers (10-10, 7-2 SWAC)
Jackson State University Baseball Stadium - Jackson, MS
6pm Wednesday March 20

On Deck - Lions vs #25 USA Jaguars

SLU Lions (14-6, 0-0 SLC) vs #25 South Alabama Jaguars (17-4, 2-1 Sun Belt)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
6pm March 19

Week in Review - 2013 Week Five

Solid Gold Sundays are becoming the norm at The Pat this season, as the Lions completed their third weekend series sweep and move to 14-6 on the season.  The Lions got solid pitching all weekend and put up one the most explosive offensive performances in the Jay Artigues era against SWAC member Arkansas-Pine Bluff. 

On Deck - Lions in the Troy Tournament

Lions (8-4) vs Hartford Hawks (0-8) and Troy Trojans (8-3)

Riddle-Pace Field - Troy, AL
Game 1:  vs Hartford 1pm Saturday March 9
Game 2:  vs Hartford 10am Sunday March 10
Game 3:  vs Troy 2pm Sunday March 10

On Deck - Lions vs Ole Miss

SLU Lions (8-2, 0-0 SLC) vs #7 Ole Miss Rebels (11-1, 0-0 SEC)

Oxford-University Stadium/Swayze Field - Oxford, MS

Game 1:  5pm Tuesday March 5
Game 2:  11am Wednesday March 6

Week in Review - 2013 Week Three

For the third straight weekend it was a Solid Gold Sunday for the SLU Lions.  And for the second time in three weekends it ended in a series sweep.  The Lions, taking advantage of some needed rest with no mid-weeks games, swept Texas Southern moving their record to 8-2 on the year.  SLU won Friday night 5-3 and wrapped up their third series win of the year with a 7-6 victory over the Tigers on Saturday.  On Solid Gold Sunday Jordan Hymel pitched the 4th no-hitter in school history, as the the Lions won 9-0 to sweep their second series of the season.

Hymel Throws No-Hitter - Video

Senior LHP Jordan Hymel accomplished something that is rare in baseball and is almost unheard of in college baseball...he threw a no-hitter.  The former Lutcher Bulldog threw SLU's 4th no-hitter in school history, as the Lions completed the weekend series sweep over Texas Southern 9-0 on Sunday.

Earning his first win of the season, Hymel (1-1) fanned seven Tigers and walked six, giving up no runs on no hits over nine innings of work.  It was Hymel's first career complete game.  “Jordan was outstanding today,” coach Jay Artigues said. “His fastball had a little run on it and he struggled to command it because of that. He did a great job making some adjustments. Coach Latham did a great job of helping him tinker with a few things and Jordan just took over from there."

With Series Sweep Lions Jump to #10 in CBD Mid-Major Poll

With their weekend series sweep of Texas Southern the SLU Lions moved up five spots to number 10 in this week's College Baseball Daily Mid-Major Top 25.  The Lions, sitting at 8-2 on the season, head to Oxford, MS for a mid-week two game set against the Ole Miss Rebels on Tuesday and Wednesday.  This weekend SLU travels to face Troy and Hartford in Troy, AL.

Baseball Reunion set for April 6th

The Southeastern Louisiana University baseball program, in conjunction with the Southeastern Alumni Association, will host its annual Lions Baseball Reunion the weekend of the Lamar series (April 5th-7th).

Former Lion players will be recognized on the field prior to the Saturday, April 6, game against Lamar, with special recognition given to the father-son and brother combinations that have been a part of Lion baseball history.

To help with planning please RSVP to Larry Hymel at (985) 549-3228 or lhymel@southeastern.edu.

On Deck - Lions vs Texas Southern

SLU Lions (5-2, 0-0 SLC) vs Texas Southern Tigers (7-3, 0-0 SWAC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1:  6pm Friday March 1
Game 2:  2pm Saturday March 2
Game 3:  1pm Sunday March 3

Week in Review - 2013 Week Two

SLU headed down to New Orleans for its first road game of the season and suffered their first loss of the season, as Tulane defeated the Lions 5-3.  The Lions bounced back nicely picking up two wins against a quality BYU team 4-1 on Friday afternoon and 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.  In a game resumed from Friday night due to rain, the Lions took one on the chin Sunday losing to #2 LSU 13-1.  The Lions move to 5-2 on the year and will not play any mid-week games this week.  They will be back in action this weekend, as they host Texas Southern.

Lions Fall to #15 in CBD Mid-Major Poll

After finishing the week with a 2-2 record the SLU Lions dropped to number 15 in this week's College Baseball Daily Mid-Major Top 25.  The Lions picked up two nice wins over BYU in Baton Rouge but dropped two road contest to Tulane and LSU. 

SLU is 5-2 on the season and host Texas Southern this weekend in a three game series at The Pat.

On Deck - Lions in the LSU Tournament

Lions (3-1) vs BYU Cougars (2-2) and #2 LSU Tigers (4-0)

Alex Box Stadium - Baton Rouge, LA
Game 1: vs BYU 1pm Friday February 22 (Free Admission)
Game 2: vs LSU 7pm Friday February 22
Game 3: vs BYU 1pm Saturday February 23 (Free Admission)

Hernandez Named SLC Hitter of the Week

For his performance in the weekend series sweep over UT-Martin senior SS Ben Hernandez has been named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Week. 

Hernandez hit .714 on the weekend, going 5-7 with a double, three RBI's, five runs scored, four walks and two stolen bases.  The Zachary High product, who notched a hit in all three games, went 2-3 and drove in the eventual winning run during the 8th inning of the Lions 5-3 win on Saturday.  On Sunday Hernandez was 2-2 with a double, two RBI's, two runs scored and a walk leading SLU to a 9-3 victory.

On Deck - Lions vs Tulane

SLU Lions (3-0) vs Tulane Green Wave (2-1)
Greer Field at Turchin Stadium - New Orleans, LA
6:30pm Tuesday February 19, 2013

Week in Review - 2013 Week One

Lions Baseball Week in Review

The SLU Lions kicked off the 2013 season with a weekend series sweep over the UT-Martin Skyhawks of the Ohio Valley Conference.  Friday night the Lions took game one 5-4 and followed it up with a 5-3 victory on Saturday.  SLU wore their all gold uniforms on "Solid Gold Sunday" and completed the sweep with an impressive 9-3 victory.  The Lions will hit the road for the first time this season, as they travel to New Orleans to face Tulane in a mid-week contest and to Baton Rouge Friday and Saturday to face LSU and BYU. 

Lions Jump Six Spots in CBD Mid-Major Poll

With their opening weekend series sweep of UT-Martin the SLU Lions jumped six spots in this week's College Baseball Daily Mid-Major Top 25.  CBD has the Lions ranked number 11 after beating the Skyhawks 5-4, 5-3 and 9-3 this weekend at The Pat.

The Lions travel to New Orleans to face Tulane Tuesday night.  1st pitch is set for 6:30pm.

Taping of the Jay Artigues Show to Start Monday

Lion Nation be sure to be in attendance each Monday night for the taping of Inside Southeastern Baseball with Jay Artigues.  The show will be taped at Benny's in historic downtown Hammond beginning at 8pm each Monday night.

Hosted by Allen Waddell, the coaches show features highlights of Southeastern baseball action, along with player profiles, the “Tip of the Week,” upcoming scouting reports and Southland Conference updates. 

Did You Know?

Did you know.....Over the last five seasons SLU has the highest overall win total (183) of any Southland Conference school.  Also, the Lions own the longest active streak of consecutive winning seasons (six) in the SLC.

Get Familiar with the Lions for Opening Day

It's opening day for the 2013 college baseball season so I know you are not working today.  Well to pass the time here are all of the pre-season write-ups put out by the best baseball SID in America, Damon Sunde.  Lion Up and get familiar with the 2013 Lions.

Disaster Relief Fund Setup for Bernard Family

On Sunday, February 10, 2013 the city of Hattiesburg, MS was struck by a tornado.  In the the tornado's devastation was the home of Lions senior pitcher Buck Bernard.  The Bernard family lost their entire home and all their possessions due to the tornado's force.

On Deck - Lions vs UT-Martin

SLU Lions (0-0, 0-0 SLC) vs Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks (0-0, 0-0 OVC)
The Pat - Hammond, LA
Game 1: 6pm Friday February 15
Game 2: 2pm Saturday February 16
Game 3: 1pm Sunday February 17

Lions Check In at #16 in CBD Mid-Major Top 25

The folks over at College Baseball Daily released their 2013 CBD Mid-Major Pre-Season poll earlier this week and Southeastern check-in at number 16.  Southland Conference mate Sam Houston State is ranked 8th in the initial poll.

Over the last two season the Lions have been a fixture in the CBD Mid-Major poll, rising as high as number five during the 2011 season.  College Baseball Daily defines a college basbeall "Mid-Major" as any team not in the traditional Big 6 conferences (ACC, Big West, Big 12, CUSA, Pac 12 and SEC).

Hills Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List

Junior RHP Dylan Hills has been named to the Preseason National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Watch List, as announced by the organization today.

Hills, who led the Lions in wins a year ago, finished the season with a 9-4 record and a 1.64 ERA.  The Ponchatoula, LA native recorded 51 strikeouts over 49.1 innings pitched, as he held opponents to a .181 batting average.

On Deck - 2013 SLU Lions Alumni Game

SLU Lions vs Team Alumni
The Pat - Hammond, LA
1pm

Sorenson Picks Lions as Top Cat in SLC

Eric Sorenson with College Baseball Today released his 2013 Southland Conference preview this morning.  And once again I will say his coverage of college baseball is the absolute best.  Stitch-Head is so in-depth with his previews, as he goes into all the details with every team, in every conference of Division I baseball.  Oh, and all of his content is FREE!

Hills Hymel Hernandez Named Preseason All-SLC

Dylan Hills, Jordan Hymel, and Ben Hernandez were each named to the 2013 Preseason All-Southland Conference team the league announced on Wednesday. Hills was named to the first team and Hymel and Hernandez were named to the second team.  The teams were voted on by the league's head coaches.

Lions Picked 2nd in SLC Preseason Polls

The SLU Lions were picked to finish 2nd by a vote of both the league's coaches and sports information directors in the 2013 Southland Conference preseason polls, which were released Wednesday.  Sam Houston State, the defending SLC champs, were picked to win the conference in both polls.  In the coaches' poll the Bearkats received the maximum nine first place votes and 81 points.  SLU picked up the final first place vote from the coaches and 68 points.

Stitch-Head's 2013 Pre-Season Power Rankings

Wow!  Talk about an in-depth pre-season ranking.  Eric Sorenson with College Baseball Today introduces the most comprehensive pre-season ranking ever, as he ranks all 298 Division I baseball teams in the country with his College Baseball Today Top 298 Power Ranking.

College Sports Madness Recognizes Three Lions

College Sports Madness has named three SLU Lions to their 2013 preseason All-Southland Conference Team, which was released earlier this week.  Named to the 2nd team were 2012 SLC Freshman of the Year Andro Cutura, RHP Dylan Hills and OF Harry Slade.

Did You Know?

Did you know...Former Lions pitcher Kirk Bullinger was the 1992 Trans America Athletic Conference (now the Atlantic Sun) Tournament MVP.

Bullinger pitched one of the greatest games in program history, leading the Lions to a 11-0 win over Florida International in the opening round of the TAAC tournament.  The future major leaguer pitched a complete game shutout, surrendering only one hit and recording 10 strikeouts.  SLU would go on to win the 1992 TAAC championship and capture a berth in the Tuscon, AZ Regional.

His one hit performance is still a conference tournament record.

Southland Conference Celebrating 50 Years

This season the Southland Conference will be celebrating 50 years, as it was founded on March 15, 1963 at the Baker Hotel in Dallas, TX.  The conference will embark on a special commemoration of its 50th anniversary in 2013, as it celebrates a half century of academic achievement and competitive success.

2013 Baseball Tickets on Sale Now

Lion Nation if you are ready to Lion Up and watch the Greatest Show on Dirt you may want to contact the Southeastern Athletic Ticket Office to purchase your 2013 season tickets real soon so we can "Pack The Pat".  With a very attractive 25 game home schedule and major renovations completed at The Pat, the 2013 baseball season is going to be very exciting. 

Spring Banquet and Alumni Game Set

Lion Nation will get a chance to meet the 2013 Lions baseball team at the annual spring banquet, which is being held on Friday February 8th at Twelve Oaks on the Southeastern campus. The banquet is set to start at 7pm.  Individual tickets for the banquet are $30 and will allow fans an opportunity to meet and dine with the team.

Lions to Host Charity Car Wash

The SLU Lions baseball team will be hosting a charity car wash on Saturday January 19th at Gateway Ford located at 1133 Highway 51 in Ponchatoula.  All proceeds from the event, which starts at 10am, will benefit Restoration House.  Restoration House is a non-profit organization in Hammond dedicated to helping women and families.

Did You Know?

Did you know...As Jay Artigues enters his eighth season as the Lions skipper, his 240 wins ranks 9th on the Southland Conference All-Time Wins list.

Artigues, who is 240-164 in Hammond, can move into 6th place this season with 20 wins.  He would pass Smoke Laval of UL-Monroe (241), Tony Robichaux of McNeese State (244) and Lou St. Amant of UL-Monroe (260).

Texas-San Antonio's Sherman Corbett ranks 5th with 330 wins and the SLC All-Time leader is Lamar's Jim Gilligan with 1,196.  Only Gilligan is actively coaching in the SLC.