Spearheaded by third baseman Tyler Hanover, the LSU baseball team used clutch hits in the seventh inning to beat the University of Louisiana at Monroe 4-1 in the NCAA Baton Rouge regional’s second game at Alex Box Stadium in front of 9, 902.

Hanover knocked a two-RBI single up the middle to put the Tigers ahead for good at 3-1. Hanover said he just wanted to put the ball in play.

“(Head Coach Paul Mainieri) came up to before and asked me if I wanted to bunt or get the job done with the bat,” Hanover said. “I told him I wanted to get the job done with the bat. I was just fortunate enough to put a good swing on it, and the ball got up the middle.”

Senior shortstop Austin Nola helped swell the lead to 4-1 in the decisive seventh inning with a bloop single, plating Hanover. Nola said the team’s previous postseason experience was crucial in winning this game.

“Experience is everything when it comes to the game of baseball, especially the postseason,” Nola said. “It was much easier coming in here relaxed, knowing we’ve been here before.”

After giving up an RBI single in the third inning, LSU starting pitcher Aaron Nola shut down the Warhawks’ offense. Nola pitched eight strong innings, allowing four hits and striking out a career high 10 batters.

The Tigers take on the Oregon State Beavers Saturday at 7 p.m. The Beavers defeated the Belmont Bruins Friday afternoon 2-1 to advance to the winner’s bracket.

Contact:

Andrew Valenti, [email protected]

Patrick Clay, [email protected]