The LSU baseball team overcame an early two-run deficit and defeated visiting Boston College, 8-3, in the first game of Friday’s doubleheader in Alex Box Stadium.
After scoring only three runs on 14 hits against Nicholls State on Wednesday, the Tigers (4-1) drove in eight on 13 hits against the Eagles (2-3). Boston College registered nine hits as a team but batted only .182 (2-for-11) with runners in scoring position.
Junior outfielder Mark Laird gave the Tigers the lead for good with a two-out, RBI single up the middle in the bottom of the fourth inning. It was the third of three runs LSU scored in the frame, and it gave the Tigers a 4-3 lead heading into the fifth.
LSU sophomore pitcher Jared Poche’ (2-0) picked up the win despite committing two errors and giving up three runs in the first three innings. The southpaw allowed seven hits, walked three batters and struck out three in 5.2 innings of work.
However, Poche’ gave up just one hit against the final 12 batters he faced.
Sophomore third baseman Danny Zardon extended LSU’s lead with a home run over the left field fence to start the bottom of the sixth. It was the first home run of the season for Zardon, who had two doubles and three RBIs while going 3-for-4 at the plate.
Game No. 2 of the doubleheader will begin at 7 p.m. LSU freshman right-hander Alex Lange (1-0) will get the starting nod against Boston College junior right-hander Jeff Burke (0-0).