CROWLEY – The Notre Dame Pioneers overcame an early 2-0 deficit by scoring seven runs in the middle innings while cruising to a 9-3 victory over the visiting Iota Bulldogs Monday evening at Miller Stadium.

Iota got on the board in the first inning when Michael Thevis doubled and scored on a throwing error. Kyle Smith, who drew a walk, added to the lead when he scored on a bases-loaded walk to J.T. LeJeune.

The 2-0 advantage stood until the third inning when the Pios finally cracked the scoreboard.

In the third, J.P. Foreman connected on a two-run single to tie the game before Wyatt Sullivan plated a run on a fielder’s choice to give the Pios a 3-2 advantage. Landon Johnsey added to the lead when he plated a run on a sacrifice fly.

Iota cut the lead to 7-3 in the fifth inning on Kevin Pousson’s RBI single, but the Pios answered with a pair of runs in the sixth to seal the victory.

The Pios sent four pitchers to the mound in the victory.

Royce Zaunbrecher started the game and pitched one inning before Sullivan took over and pitched three scoreless frames in earning the victory. He gave up two hits and one walk while striking out two.

Alex Rozas pitched the fifth inning and Kyler Habetz worked the final two frames.

Foreman led the Pios with two hits and three RBI. Kevin Frank and Jeff Michael Daigle also had two hits each and Damon Comeaux added a double.

Pousson, Thevis, LeJeune Garrett Repond and John Michael Trahan each had one hit for Iota.