The No. 2 LSU baseball team extended its winning streak to 10 games and defeated No. 8 Houston, 4-2, in its first game of the Houston College Classic Friday night in Minute Maid Park.
LSU sophomore pitcher Jared Poche’ (4-0) picked up his fourth victory in as many starts, allowing four hits and two runs over 7 and ⅔ innings. The southpaw also struck four batters and walked three.
The Tigers (13-1) didn’t take long to grab control of Friday’s top-10 contest, scoring three runs in the first to take a 3-0 lead against the Cougars (8-6).
LSU senior infielder Conner Hale drove in two with a two-run home run off Houston sophomore pitcher Andrew Lantrip (3-1) to left field, extending his season-opening hitting streak to 14 games. Hale also scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the fourth.
Junior catcher Jacob Campbell pulled the Cougars within two with a solo home run in the sixth, but they never seriously threatened the Tigers, who retired 19 of the last 20 Houston batters.
LSU freshman pitcher Jesse Stalling notched his sixth save of the season after he retired all three batters in the ninth.
The Tigers will continue the three-day tournament with a match against Baylor (6-6) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. LSU freshman pitcher Alex Lange (3-0) will get the starting nod against the Bears, who dropped a 2-1 game to Hawaii Friday afternoon.