National Champs!
By Tom Dodge
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – It was not hard to find an LSUE fan at USA stadium in Millington Thursday night as the Bengals captured their second NJCAA Division II national championship.
The Bengals (52-12) had the support of a large group dressed in purple and gold that made the nearly eight-hour drive to this Memphis suburb.
But they also had the respect of locals that have seen plenty of action at the former Olympic baseball training complex.
“I have seen both teams play and there is no way Lenoir can beat LSUE,” photographer Kevin Lewter said even as the Lancers were leading 2-0 after the first inning. “The Bengals have a great team with too many weapons.”
As it turned out, he was correct as the Bengals and their big bats went on to rout Lenoir 17-5 in LSUE’s third trip to the College World Series.
The LSUE fans included from the highest ranking, including Chancellor William Nunez and his wife, to one of the youngest – Allie, the infant daughter of head coach Jeff Willis and wife Lindsey.
While the public address announcer had trouble with some of the Louisiana last names, it was obvious the Bengal fans knew how to “pass a good time” in an area known for blues and barbeque.
But as much fun as the fans in the stands were having - jumping up to be seen on the LSUE-TV internet broadcast - it was even more fun for the Bengal players as they celebrated the championship.
Perry Smith, who went 7-for-12 in the World Series with 10 RBI in the four games to earn the tournament MVP, was proud of his team mates.
“It was hard to pick just one person as MVP on this team,” Smith said after the game. “We had a lot of good offense and great pitching. It feels great to be national champs.”
Teammate Boomer Blanchard who sat beside Smith as the Bengals won the 2006 title, was also thrilled to be called a champion.
“Two national championships,” Boomer Blanchard said as he reflected on his three-year career at LSUE. “Coming in we knew if we played hard, we were going to win.”
Pitcher Ryan Boudreaux, who picked up two wins in the Series including the championship game, said he was always confident that his mates would get the job done.
“I never doubt when we get behind,” Boudreaux said. “I know we are capable of scoring runs and that helps me relax and I have a lot of confidence knowing if I go down or have a bad game, there is someone else to pick me up.”
The numerous fans in the stands never doubted, as they screamed their support to every catch, hit and run scored.
And with 17 runs on 16 hits, there was plenty to cheer about.