SOUTHLAND SHOWDOWN SET FOR HAMMOND

HAMMOND, La. (March 26, 2026) (Interstat) — The Southeastern Louisiana Lions will host the New Orleans Privateers in a Southland Conference series opener Friday at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 79 degrees.

The Lions (13-12) enter with a winning record but are looking to rebound from a 9-3 midweek loss at Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday. The Privateers (11-16) arrive with momentum after a 7-0 shutout victory at Jackson State, also on Tuesday.

A key player to watch for New Orleans is reliever Reid Leonard. The right-hander was dominant in his last outing, throwing two perfect innings with three strikeouts against Jackson State. However, his recent performances have been volatile, including a March 17 appearance against Tulane where he failed to record an out and allowed four earned runs.

Southeastern Louisiana will counter with reliever Luke Lirette, another pitcher seeking consistency. Lirette tossed three hitless innings at Louisiana-Lafayette on Tuesday but was charged with two earned runs. He has been effective in brief outings earlier in the season, including scoreless appearances against Northwestern State and Louisiana-Monroe.

Offensively, the Lions will look to continue the power shown by shortstop Connor Cuff, who hit a two-run homer in the loss to Louisiana-Lafayette. The Privateers’ pitching staff, which saw three hurlers combine for six hitless, scoreless relief innings Tuesday, will aim to carry that success into the weekend.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is Southeastern Louisiana 5, New Orleans 3.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Hammond.