The LSU softball team won both of its games on Saturday night in Tiger Park, but not without a bit of unexpected drama. 

In a game that began about 30 minutes after it shut out Virginia 4-0, LSU needed all seven innings to Memphis 5-4 at the Purple and Gold Challenge. 

“I was pretty confident that they were going to find a way [to win],” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “I think being in that spot — being at a deficit and down to our last out — will help us in the long run.”

LSU came out hot against Memphis, securing a quick 3-0 lead after two innings.

But Memphis pitcher Ellen Roberts found her rhythm in the third inning, retiring 12 of LSU’s next 13 batters and allowing no more runs in that stretch.

Memphis’ bats came alive late in the game and  had LSU on the ropes with a 4-3 lead going into the bottom of the seventh. 

With LSU down to its final out with runners on first in second, freshman shortstop Bianka Bell drilled a single into right field to tie the game at 4-4.

“I heard everybody in the crowd and dugout; it was crazy,” Bell said. “I just tried to relax, tune everything out and stay in my zone.

“I just wanted to stay relaxed… and just try to make contact and put the ball in play,” Bell said. 

The winning run game during the next at bat when Roberts threw a wild pitch, allowing junior left fielder Jacee Blades to easily cross home plate.  

Senior Rachele Fico, who pitched the last 1.2 innings against Memphis, ended up with both wins on Saturday night and threw 12 strikeouts between the two games. 

LSU, who improved to 9-1 on the season, will look to finish the sweep of the Purple and Gold Challenge when it takes on in-state rival Nicholls State on Sunday at 3 p.m.