After struggling Tuesday against in-state opponent Nicholls State, the Tigers’ bats got going from the start with a revamped lineup against Southern on Wednesday night.
In fact, LSU coach Paul Mainieri could hardly sleep in anticipation for the matchup.
Mainieri said the chance to play all of the newcomers kept him awake throughout the night in anticipation.
LSU (16-2) defeated Southern (2-9), 8-0, giving the Tigers plenty to be happy about before heading to Nashville, Tenn., for a three-game series starting Friday.
“It was a game that wasn’t terribly exciting,” Mainieri said. “It was a businessmen effort by our guys. We executed some things and gave the younger kids a chance to play.”
Mainieri was looking for life in his lineup after the Nicholls State matchup, and he got exactly what he hoped for when the backups provided a needed spark.
LSU got on the board first with two runs in the first when sophomore shortstop Alex Bregman hit an RBI double to center driving in freshman outfielder Jake Fraley. Bregman was plated by a bunt from freshman second baseman Kramer Robertson.
After adding two runs in the second and fourth innings, runs started flowing freely again in the fifth, when Cade Stone got his first hit of the night on an RBI double to center, followed by Fraley singling up the middle for his second RBI of the night. The third run of the inning was assisted from Southern on a wild pitch that passed sophomore catcher Jose DeLa Torre, scoring freshman infielder Danny Zardon and extending the lead to 7-0.
The Tigers’ depth was showcased by players like designated hitter Jarret DeHart, who picked up two hits, including a triple in the seventh inning.
LSU dominated on the scoreboard, but Southern had its share of opportunities. Southern left nine runners on base, including going 0-4 with runners in scoring position against LSU starter Jared Poche’ (4-0).
With an actual crowd attendance of only 2,730, many Tigers’ fans missed out on the play of backup outfielder Fraley, who went 2-3 with two RBI’s and a run scored.
Fraley, the Delaware native making only his second start on the year, extended his hit streak to five games, proving to be a viable option in the outfield.
Fraley said whenever he gets the chance he wants to take advantage of the opportunities he has. Fraley doesn’t see the field much because of a strong outfield, but said he believes that doesn’t slow him down much.
“Having practice and [batting practice] every day keeps you in it,” Fraley said. “Facing our pitchers every now and then to coaches making sure that we stay in the groove to get the opportunity when we’re ready.”
Mainieri had high praise for Fraley’s performance tonight.
“Every time we give him a chance to play it seems like he’s hitting the ball hard,” Mainieri said. “All the young guys did well. It was a very encouraging thing. If you recruit somebody to LSU and put them in a uniform, you have to have confidence in them that they can get the job done.”
LSU will now set its focus on Southeastern Conference play, as they head to Vanderbilt to take on the Commodores in a three-game series starting Friday.

Gallery • 10 Photos

Angela Major

The ball bounces off of LSU freshman outfielder Cade Stone's (4) bat Wednesday, March 3, 2014 during the Tigers' 8-0 victory against Southern in Alex Box Stadium.