The gods of baseball have rained on LSU’s parade – both literally and metaphorically.
The weather was not kind to the Tigers in their 3-1 game-two loss to Stony Brook in the super regional matchup Saturday. It began to rain somewhat heavily in the bottom of the third, which may have been a factor in sophomore pitcher Kevin Gausman allowing two runs that inning.
“I was having trouble having that feel for my pitches,” Gausman said. “Usually I can throw my fastball on both sides, and that [third] inning I felt like all I could do was throw it down the middle, hoping it went where I was trying to throw it.”
There was a little hope for LSU to have more “Alex Box magic” in the top of the ninth with two outs, when Jordy Snikeris hit what should have been a routine grounder to end the game.
However, Stony Brook third basemen William Carmona over threw the base, allowing Snikeris to reach second.
That play brought up freshman first baseman Tyler Moore, who had hit one of the game-tying home runs in Friday’s portion of game one. However, Moore hit an infield pop up to Carmona who easily ended the game.
The Tigers were on a high after the thrilling 5-4 12th-inning win in a game that was postponed after the 11th due to rain.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri made the controversial call to pitch Gausman in the resumption of game one in an attempt to get at least one win on the day, despite his plans to start Gausman in game two.
The call would prove successful as Gausman got the win and only threw 12 pitches.
“I have never slept on a decision as much as this one to bring [Gausman] into start the 12th inning,” Mainieri said. “It was really a tough call…. Let me say this, what he did for our team was really heroic.”
Gausman retired the Seawolves in order in his in appearance as the Tiger closer, recording one strikeout.
In game two, Gausman allowed six hits and three earned runs in what will be his final appearance at Alex Box.
LSU will play game three Sunday at noon for the right to go to Omaha.
Mainieri has announced he will start Ryan Eades at pitcher for the Tigers. Stony Brook coach Matt Senk has only said his starter will be right handed. ____ Contact Mike Gegenheimer at [email protected]