In a journey defined by taking chances and steady climbs with big‑moment poise, right‑hander Caydon Laird added another milestone last night, earning his first Division I win for the University of Southern Indiana. The former D2 pitcher needed just two‑thirds of an inning with runners in scoring position to make an immediate impact, getting a ground out that held the runners, then striking out the next batter to hold down Cal State Bakersfield giving USI and opportunity to bounce back.
Laird’s rise didn’t begin in Evansville — it took shape last spring on the Division II postseason stage. At the Southeast Regionals, he delivered a crucial outing with five strikeouts over two innings, a performance that helped propel Lenoir‑Rhyne straight into the Division II College World Series, where he went on to make three appearances in the CWS. Those high‑pressure innings showcased his competitiveness and composure, traits that caught the attention of Division I programs.
Betting on himself, Laird made the jump to Southern Indiana, embracing the challenge. And in his first D1 appearance, he looks to contribute in anyway possible to help USI this year when called upon.
For Laird, the win is more than a line in the box score — it’s validation of a lot of hard work with up and downs along the way. The work he put in to climb from Early to D2 to D1 showed up immediately. For Southern Indiana, it’s an early sign that their newest arm is excited to be a part of this year.