The LSU Tigers have their backs up against the wall once again in the NCAA Tournament after a big sixth inning by Tennessee got the Volunteers one win away from the College World Series with a 4-2 win.
How It Happened:
Cade Doughty helped LSU get out in front in the top of the second with a solo shot out to right field in the rain at Lindsey Nelson Stadium to take the early lead.
After a lightning delay that lasted nearly an hour, the Vols responded in the bottom of the third with a leadoff double by Jordan Beck. Connor Pavolony tied things up later in the inning with a groundout that got Beck across home plate safely.
LSU responded in the fifth and took back the lead with Drew Bianco scoring off of an errant throw by Tennessee’s catcher. That gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead and put Cade Beloso at second base with no outs. However, Chad Dallas struck out Jordan Thompson and Alex Millazo, and then Dylan Crews grounded out to end the inning.
The Tigers went to Javen Coleman to start the sixth inning after a good outing from Ma’Khail Hilliard. After striking out Liam Spence to start the inning, he walked Max Ferguson and Jake Rucker followed that with a double to put runners at second and third with no outs.
Drew Gilbert tied things up on a fielder’s choice to Cade Doughty, who couldn’t make a throw to home plate in time. Tennessee took the lead later in the inning on a fielder’s choice to second that scored Rucker. Beck followed that up with an RBI single to give the Volunteers a little insurance.
The Tigers attempted to rally in the ninth with a leadoff single by Gavin Dugas and a single by Drew Bianco, but the rally was stopped short after Jordan Thompson struck out swinging.
Big Number: 16
The Tigers bats went largely silent thanks to a big performance from the Vols pitching staff, striking out 16 times at the hands of Dallas and Sean Hunley.
Player of the Game: Chad Dallas
Tennessee’s ace put together his 11th win of the season with an impressive six innings of work, striking out 12 of the 24 batters he faced.
Next Up: Sunday vs Tennessee; First Pitch at 2 pm