If the first game of the season sets the tone, then LSU’s (1-0) mission statement is that you can’t count them out. Notre Dame (0-1) got up 6-0 early on, but the Tigers got some much needed power and came away with a 7-6 victory.
The Fighting Irish capitalized on a fielding error by Josh Smith in the top of the first that led to Cole Daily to reach home safely to make it 1-0. Nick Podkul increased their lead with a two-run single down the left field line in the third.
Notre Dame seemingly put the game out of reach in the fourth though with a pair of RBI singles from David LaManna and Daily to make it 5-0. However, the Tigers roared back in the bottom of the sixth with Bryce Jordan blasting a grand slam out to left field in his first game in over a year after injuring his ACL.
Smith’s evening was less than ideal, committing two errors on the evening. However, he redeemed himself in the eighth when he got a hold of one and sent it out into right field for what would be the eventual game winner.
Austin Bain was credited with the win, throwing two shutout innings in relief. He walked one and struck out four on the evening.
The Tigers will look to win the series on Saturday with first pitch set for 4 pm.
-Clint Domingue