While the LSU Tigers lost two of three over the weekend, it was against one of the premiere programs in the SEC on their turf. With that in mind, let’s grade LSU’s performance over the weekend against the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Offense: C
LSU’s offense was stifled over the weekend, batting .244 against Vanderbilt’s stellar pitching rotation. It’s solid numbers, but I’m docking some points off as well for some questionable baserunning calls, trying to steal second and getting caught way too many times by the Commodores catcher in Stephen Scott.
If not for that aspect of the Tigers performance, I’d likely bump them up to a B.
Infield Defense: C+
The Tigers only committed one error the entire series with a fielding error by Hal Hughes, but that’s not the only reason they are at a C+. You also saw Hunter Feduccia allow the lone run on Sunday come off of a passed ball. If not for that, perhaps LSU could have taken two of three against Vanderbilt.
Outfield Defense: B
No errors for the outfield was huge for this grade being what it is, but there was nothing spectacular to bump it up. It’s as expected for the Tigers outfield with the experienced players in that position like Antoine Duplantis.
Starting Pitchers: B+
Outside of Zach Hess’ performance on Friday, LSU’s starting pitchers put together solid performances, especially when you look at Ma’Khail Hilliard, who only allowed four hits and struck out eight in six innings of work. The freshman has definitely caught the eye of LSU fans and could see his role within the program become bigger in the future if he keeps it up like this.
Bullpen: B+
The bullpen for LSU was more of the same, not allowing a run all weekend. The Tigers bullpen gave this team every opportunity to come away with a win, especially on Friday, but the offense on that night just couldn’t find that spark after the first inning.
Overall Grade: B
This weekend should’ve seen LSU come away with two of three, but Vanderbilt was just better over the weekend thanks to some timely hitting and capitalizing on the few mistakes that the Tigers made. All that being said, taking one win away from the Commodores is something to be proud of considering the fact that they hadn’t lost an SEC game headed into the weekend.
-Clint Domingue