Just In: Reason why LSU escape four-game losing streak

Prior to Thursday, LSU baseball hadn’t managed to score more than four runs in an inning when facing Southeastern Conference opponents.

Last season’s team frequently racked up big innings, but this season, the Tigers’ offense had struggled to produce significant runs, a trend that continued into their series against Vanderbilt this week.

The team’s difficulty in generating explosive offense was one of several factors contributing to LSU’s five-game losing streak in SEC matchups leading up to this weekend’s series.

However, the Tigers encountered no such difficulty on Thursday. They unleashed a barrage of runs, scoring six in the third inning and adding three more in the fourth to secure a 10-6 triumph over the Commodores at Alex Box Stadium.

“We displayed the kind of performance that epitomizes a baseball team tonight and showcased the standard we aim to achieve,” remarked LSU coach Jay Johnson.

The offensive explosion in the third inning kicked off with a solo home run from Josh Pearson, marking his fifth of the season. Subsequently, a walk and a single placed Mac Bingham at bat. Despite hitting into what seemed like a potential double play, an errant throw by second baseman Jayden Davis allowed the lead runner to cross the plate, granting Tommy White a 2-0 lead with runners positioned at the corners and no outs.

White then delivered a single up the middle to bring in another run. Following this, a groundout advanced both baserunners into scoring position, setting the stage for Brady Neal to lash a single into left field, bringing in both runners and extending the Tigers’ lead to five.

Three batters later, with Neal stationed at third base, Michael Braswell grounded out, notching the sixth run of the inning.

“This week in practice, we really emphasized hitting with runners in scoring position,” remarked Jared Jones.

LSU’s lead expanded further with a solo homer from Bingham and a two-run single from Hayden Travinski, both coming with two outs in the fourth inning, extending the lead to nine. However, the team wouldn’t add to their tally until the eighth inning when an error in center field allowed Bingham to score all the way from first base on a single.

Jones emerged as the only Tiger with multiple hits, although every starter, except for Braswell, contributed with at least one hit. LSU concluded the night going 6 for 18 with runners in scoring position.

“Typically, I have hitters who excel first, and then they develop power as they strengthen in the weight room,” stated Johnson. “We have players with power who might not initially be strong hitters, but when they execute correctly, they can be. And tonight, they demonstrated exceptional hitting skills.”

Right-handed pitcher Luke Holman took the mound for the Tigers (21-10, 3-7) and kept Vanderbilt hitless for the first 4⅓ innings. However, the situation quickly changed as two singles and a hit by pitch allowed Vanderbilt to score their first run of the night.

Subsequently, the Commodores (23-7, 6-4) capitalized on a three-run home run from Jonathan Vastine with two outs and two strikes, narrowing LSU’s lead to five by the conclusion of the fifth inning.

Holman’s departure from the game occurred following a two-out error committed by Braswell in the sixth inning, putting two runners on base. Left-hander Griffin Herring took over, but he allowed a run-scoring single and a run-scoring double, reducing LSU’s lead to three.

“I felt like we lost our composure a bit in the middle of the game,” remarked Johnson. “… We didn’t handle that adversity as well as we could have. Overall, I thought we performed admirably tonight. However, we lost our focus momentarily and needed to regain it.”

However, Herring found his rhythm thereafter. He wrapped up the sixth inning before dominating the next three innings with six strikeouts and zero runs allowed, sealing the game shutout.

“It requires a different kind of determination when facing teams like this, such as Arkansas, Florida, and Mississippi State,” remarked Herring. “It demands an elevated level of focus. I realize now that I wasn’t fully committing myself mentally earlier in the season, but I’m completely dialed in now.”

LSU and Vanderbilt will clash for Game 2 of the series at Alex Box Stadium on Friday. The first pitch is slated for 7 p.m. and will be broadcasted on SEC Network.