The LSU Tigers were able to get a nice series opening win on Friday night against Tennessee (26-24, 7-18 SEC) behind another terrific performance from Alex Lange.
The Volunteers got the early lead in the bottom of the second with a double to left field by Brodie Leftridge that got Tyler Schultz across home plate safely.
LSU responded quickly with a solo shot from Cole Freeman, his first of the season, in the top of the third to tie things up. The Tigers would take the lead with a single to right field by Kramer Robertson that would allow Freeman to reach home safely.
Lange improved to 7-3 on the year allowing one run off of four hits, walked six, and struck out seven batters in eight innings of work. Hunter Newman got his fifth save of the year with one shutout inning and striking two out of the three batters he faced.
The Tigers (34-16, 15-10 SEC) will try to clinch the series on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for noon.
-Clint Domingue