A 6-foot-5, 235-pound senior centerfielder from the Dominican Republic who grew up on Boston, Luis made quite a debut with the Pioneer baseball team during its season-opener against York College, Neb., at Wilder Field. The first-year transfer from Ranger Junior College hit home runs in his first three at-bats as a Pioneer in the first three innings of the season-opener. The first two homers were three-run blasts followed by a solo shot, all to left field.
The three home runs tied a school record held by several Pioneers and most recently accomplished by Kevin Hennessey in 2010. Luis, who struck out swinging in his only other at-bat in the fourth, ended with seven RBIs, two off the school record for most in a game set by Todd Jeffress in 2008.
Then in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Luis went 4-for-4 with a triple, double and two singles. He ended that game scoring three runs and two RBIs.
For the week, Luis – who sat out the final game of the series – batted .800 (8-for-10) with a 2.000 slugging percentage. He totaled nine RBIs, six runs and a stolen base.
"I really thought there would be days like that for him. To have one the very first day is pretty cool," coach Brad Bass said. "He's such a likeable guy and such a good ambassador on our campus. He's athletic and plays hard and plays right, and he can really, really, really hit."
Luis’ impressive performance helped the Pioneers to a season-opening sweep as Wayland defeated York, 14-10, 3-0, 10-6 and 13-4. The Panthers finished last season advanced to the championship of the NAIA Opening Round, coming up just short of the NAIA World Series.
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