LSU baseball endured another challenging week in Southeastern Conference competition, suffering a sweep at the hands of Arkansas. They lost 7-4 on Thursday, 4-3 on Friday after 10 innings, and 7-5 on Saturday. As they prepare to face Vanderbilt next week, LSU finds themselves on a five-game losing streak in SEC play. Head coach Johnson emphasized the need for improvement in fundamental aspects of the game, stressing the importance of executing consistently with two outs and stringing together quality at-bats. He emphasized that success hinges on playing better baseball, rather than focusing solely on intangibles like team chemistry or character.

These are five things to remember after the Razorbacks swept LSU

 

Killer walks

Control emerged as a significant concern for LSU’s pitching staff throughout the entirety of the series. On Thursday, the Tigers encountered difficulty as seven pitchers combined to issue a total of 11 walks. Notably, their staff ace, right-hander Luke Holman, struggled with control issues by walking five batters the following day, contributing to LSU’s woes. Furthermore, the team conceded seven free bases on Saturday, exacerbating their problems.

These lapses in control directly translated into runs for the opposing team. For instance, right-hander Gavin Guidry, entering a one-run game in the eighth inning on Thursday, issued walks to the first two batters he faced. Subsequently, both of these runners scored on a three-run homer, effectively dashing any hopes of an LSU comeback.

Similarly, in the subsequent game, Holman’s control issues persisted as he walked two of the first three batters he encountered in the fourth inning. These walks ultimately resulted in runs for the opposition following a double and a groundout, erasing LSU’s two-run lead and catalyzing a three-run inning for their opponents.

In the concluding game on Saturday, left-handed starter Gage Jump found himself in a crucial situation with two outs in the fourth inning. However, he walked a batter on a full count, extending the inning for Arkansas. This proved costly for LSU, as the Razorbacks capitalized on the opportunity by stringing together four consecutive singles, resulting in three runs scored to tie the game.

Reflecting on the series, Hayden Travinski emphasized the significance of controlling the bases, noting that the ability to limit walks and free passes can often determine the outcome of games.

Ashton Larson sharing a larger role with Ethan Frey

Ashton Larson, making his second start in SEC play over the weekend, seized the opportunity with an impactful performance. On Saturday, he showcased his prowess by launching a two-run home run in the third inning, propelling LSU to a two-run lead.

Although Larson, a left-handed hitter, was only in the starting lineup on Saturday against right-handed starter Brady Tygart, his contributions extended beyond that game. He entered the fray as a pinch-hitter on both Thursday and Friday, replacing the right-handed Paxton Kling. This strategic move aimed to avoid matchups against right-handed relievers, maximizing Larson’s effectiveness at the plate.

In conference matchups, LSU has developed a tendency to rely heavily on solo home runs for offensive production.

Out of the six home runs hit by the Tigers this week, five were solo shots, continuing a pattern seen in previous games. Against Florida, they hit four solo homers, and two one-run bombs during their series with Mississippi State.

However, there lies a significant issue within this trend: only five out of their 17 home runs in conference play have occurred with runners on base. While hitting home runs is undoubtedly beneficial, LSU’s struggle to capitalize with men on base underscores a broader problem of inconsistency in their offensive performance.

This inconsistency is further highlighted by their difficulty in driving in runs when in scoring position. Across the series against Arkansas, LSU’s batting with runners in scoring position was subpar, going 1 for 6 on Thursday, 2 for 6 on Friday, and 1 for 6 on Saturday.

This lack of offensive stability isn’t isolated to their recent series; similar struggles were evident in their matchups against Florida and Mississippi State. Against the Gators, LSU was 6 for 28 at the plate with runners in scoring position, including a 1 for 14 performance in their two losses. Similarly, in Starkville, they went 3 for 24 in such situations.

Johnson explained, “The approach from pitchers changes when there are runners on base or in scoring position. It’s crucial to maintain composure and take disciplined at-bats in these situations, avoiding the temptation to overreach.”

Griffin Herring is on a roll

Amidst the challenges faced by LSU baseball during the week, left-hander Griffin Herring emerged as a standout performer.

During his appearance on Friday, Herring showcased dominance on the mound. Across 4⅔ innings, he kept the opposition scoreless while recording an impressive eight strikeouts. His success stemmed from his ability to effectively place his fastball low in the strike zone, complemented by a sharp slider.

Reflecting on his performance, Herring highlighted his focus on executing pitches below the strike zone, particularly with his slider. He noted that by consistently placing his fastball at the knees, he was able to induce swings on low pitches, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of his slider.

Herring faced an exceptionally high-pressure situation throughout his outing, as LSU either trailed by one run or was tied with Arkansas for the entirety of the 70 pitches he delivered.

Coach Johnson commended Herring’s performance, acknowledging it as his most impressive outing during his time at LSU. Johnson also highlighted Herring’s pivotal role in the team’s previous national championship campaign, underscoring his value to the team’s success.

No excuses

Following LSU’s second consecutive close loss on Saturday, Coach Johnson refrained from making excuses. Despite two of the Tigers’ five consecutive defeats occurring in extra innings, and being mere feet away from taking the lead in the ninth inning on Saturday, Johnson emphasized the importance of focusing on what they can control.

In Johnson’s perspective, external factors such as close calls or missed opportunities are irrelevant. Instead, he stressed the significance of playing at their best and creating their own opportunities through superior performance.

“I think it’s good to get breaks,” Johnson remarked on Saturday. “I also think, the better you play, the more you create your breaks.” This statement underscores his belief in the team’s ability to shape their own destiny through consistent and high-quality play, rather than relying on chance or external circumstances.