NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana didn't hit a home run in its first eight baseball games this season, but hit three Friday in game No. 9, a 17-10 victory against Tougaloo at Wesley Barrow Stadium.
        Catcher Tristan Rodriguez homered twice — including a first-inning grand slam — and designated hitter Danny Coleman hit a two-run homer.
        "We were prepared and due to break out and have a game like this one," XULA head coach Adrian Holloway said. "We had been swinging the bats well recently. What we did today didn't surprise me."
        Rodriguez also doubled and finished with five RBIs. Jose Fulgencio reached base safely four times and had three RBIs.
        Rodriguez said it was the first time since 10th grade that he homered twice in one game.
        "The wind was blowing in, and I needed to keep the ball as low as possible," said Rodriguez, who leads the team with a .739 slugging percentage. "Luckily, things worked out. I timed my swings perfectly."
        XULA scored in seven of the eight innings it batted. Tougaloo produced 23 baserunners via hits, walks or hit batters but stranded 14.
        XULA (6-3) and Tougaloo (2-6) will conclude their three-game series with a 1 p.m. Saturday doubleheader at Barrow.