The LSU Tigers softball team defeated the Southern Illinois Salukis 9-0 in five innings on Sunday afternoon inside Tiger Park. The win means LSU is now bound for the Super Regionals next weekend.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
LSU went with Kelley Lynch in the circle instead of Sydney Berzon, who pitched in the Tigers’ win over SIU yesterday. Lynch allowed a leadoff walk, but was then able to strike out the side to put up an opening zero.
In the bottom of the first, an error on SIU got things going for LSU. After that, Raeleen Gutierrez started the scoring with an RBI double to make it 1-0 LSU.
The Tigers would break things open in the second. After two singles and two walks, it was 2-0, and a sacrifice fly made it 3-0. Then, Taylor Pleasants added to the lead with a three-run shot, making it 6-0.
They were not done scoring, as in the third, Maci Bergeron launched a two-run shot and Karli Petty added a solo homer that damaged a section of the scoreboard in right field.
The 9-0 lead was plenty for Kelley Lynch, who had a dominant performance. She tossed all five innings, only allowing one hit. LSU used the run-rule to win 9-0.
BIG NUMBER: 1
Lynch allowed just one hit in the circle. She was effective, and allowed LSU to cruise to the regional win.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Karli Petty
Petty was excellent offensively. After driving in a run with her first hit, she launched a solo home run to put the finishing touches on a big win for LSU.
UP NEXT: LSU will get set for the Super Regional Round next weekend in a Best-of-Three series.