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After a crushing defeat to Wake Forest, LSU had a rematch with Tennessee in a College World Series elimination game. Nate Ackenhausen was incredible in his start for the Tigers and Dylan Crews had a ninth-inning two-run homer to lead LSU to a crucial 5-0 win, eliminating the Volunteers, and staying alive in the tournament.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Dylan Crews started the game the same way he has started many games this season: a leadoff walk. After advancing to second on a wild pitch, Tre Morgan singled to move Crews to third before Cade Beloso finished the job with an RBI single to score Crews and make it 1-0 Tigers.
LSU had two opportunities for home runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, but the Omaha wind was blowing at 17 MPH at Charles Schwab Field, so both balls were kept in the park for flyouts.
For Tennessee, their offense was silenced by Drew Ackenhausen, who gave up three hits but didn’t allow any runs. Drew Beam kept the Vols in the contest with his pitching, striking out nine in the first five innings.
Tennessee got some momentum in the fifth with Cal Stark getting hit by a pitch and a Maui Ahuna double to left field put a pair of runners in scoring position, but Ackenhausen was able to strand both runners and end the inning unscathed.
LSU added another run in the sixth in an inning that started with a leadoff double from Tre Morgan. Gavin Dugas then laid down a bunt to move Morgan to third, but a throwing error scored Morgan and moved Dugas to second with nobody out. However, Tennessee was able to get out by only giving up one run.
After an error on a double play opportunity and Brayden Jobert getting hit by a pitch, the bases were loaded for LSU with two outs in the eighth. The first pitch to Alex Milazzo got away to score Tre Morgan and pad LSU’s lead to 3-0.
In the top of the ninth, Josh Pearson drew a walk, which put a baserunner on for Dylan Crews. After fighting off a few pitches, Crews took a 1-2 pitch into LSU’s bullpen for a two-run homer, increasing the Tigers lead to 5-0.
Riley Cooper finishes the job with a three-inning save to seal the deal for LSU, advancing them into the do-or-die scenario against Wake Forest.
BIG NUMBER: 6
Nate Ackenhausen went six complete innings in this elimination game, the longest outing of his LSU career.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Nate Ackenhausen
Ackenhausen was incredible, pitching six innings while giving up four hits, no runs, and seven strikeouts to bring LSU past Tennessee.
UP NEXT: LSU will return to Charles Schwab Field Wednesday night to battle with top-seeded Wake Forest. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. and it can be heard on The Game.