The LSU Tigers shut out the Mississippi State Bulldogs 5-0 at the Southeastern Conference Tournament on Wednesday. With the win, LSU advances to take on top seed Oklahoma in the quarterfinals.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
LSU broke the game open in the top of the second inning.
Leadoff hitter Tori Edwards was hit by a pitch and then advanced to second base on a wild pitch by Raelin Chaffin. McKenzie Redoutey drew a walk, and then Jadyn Laneaux singled to left field to load the bases.
Two batters later, Maddox McKee laced a single to the pitcher that plated one run. Avery Hodge then came to the plate and drew a walk, which scored another run. After a strikeout by Danieca Coffey, Jalia Lassiter hit a single, which scored two runs.
In the fourth, LSU added to its lead as Sierra Daniel led off with a double down the left field line. Two batters later, Hodge hit a double down the right field line that scored Daniel.
That was all the run production Beth Torina’s team needed as Heavener silenced the Bulldogs’ bats, including striking out the first four batters she faced.
LSU threatened to add to its lead in the top of the seventh.
Lassiter led off with a single but then was out a batter later when Maci Bergeron reached on a fielder’s choice. Edwards then hit a single that put runners on first and second. Mississippi State got out of the jam by getting a fly out and a ground out to end the threat.
BIG NUMBER: 1
Mississippi State managed to get only one hit in Wednesday’s tournament game and that was courtesy of a two-out single in the fifth by Ella Wesolowski.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: JAYDEN HEAVENER
The LSU pitcher was locked in on Wednesday as she held Mississippi State’s lineup to zero runs on one hit in seven innings. Heavener also struck out eight Bulldogs on the day.
UP NEXT: LSU will take on Oklahoma on Thursday in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.