Royals Fall to Top-Ranked LSU-Shreveport, Set Sights on Elimination Matchup

SHREVEPORT, LA– The Royals faced a daunting challenge on Tuesday afternoon in the NAIA Opening Round, taking on undefeated and top-ranked LSU-Shreveport in the Shreveport Bracket. Despite moments of promise, the Royals were unable to slow the red-hot Pilots, falling 15-4 to the nation's No. 1 team, who improved to an astounding 53-0 on the season.

A packed offensive attack by LSU-Shreveport saw them score in five different innings, including a pair of crooked numbers early that put Johnson behind the eight ball. The Pilots plated four runs in the second and six in the third, capitalizing on walks and timely hits to jump out to a commanding lead the Royals were unable to recover from.

"We just gave them too many opportunities," said Royals head coach Dave Serrano postgame. "You can't give a team that talented free passes and extra chances. We were our own worst enemy today, and they made us pay for it."

Still, the Royals showed flashes of their offensive capabilities. Alonzo Zuniga blasted a solo home run and finished with two hits and two RBIs. Braden Frank and Travis Hobbensiefken each added an RBI, while Luke Wilson and Nolan Cusey both reached base multiple times in a game where the Royals tallied eight walks and seven hits.

Johnson sent three pitchers to the mound, with Kaleb Townsend taking the loss after allowing eight earned runs over two innings. Mason Schmidt and Jacob Claiborne combined for the final seven innings of relief, navigating a powerful Pilots lineup that racked up 13 hits and 15 runs.

While the loss was tough, Serrano emphasized the opportunity ahead: "We didn't play our best baseball today, and that's what stings. But the mindset now is simple—it's all hands on deck. We have to battle through and earn another shot at these guys."

The Royals (36-17) will now face Mid-America Christian University (MACU) in a win-or-go-home elimination game Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST. A victory would set up a potential rematch against LSU-Shreveport and a chance for redemption on the national stage.

"I'd welcome nothing less," Serrano added. "I want that opportunity again because I don't think they saw the real Johnson team today."