Two RBI in the bottom of the eighth inning were enough for the No. 2 LSU baseball team to claim the rubber match Sunday against No. 11 Ole Miss at Alex Box Stadium.
Singles by LSU freshman outfielder Mikie Mahtook and junior outfielder Jared Mitchell sealed the game and series for the Tigers.
“I just knew today [Ole Miss pitcher Scott Bittle] was just living off his breaking ball,” Mitchell said. “I got that pitch, and I hit it.”
The game was a pitcher’s duel going into the eighth inning. Both clubs only allowed six hits combined.
LSU sophomore pitcher Austin Ross (4-2) struck out five batters in eight innings with only one earned run to get the win.
“He grew up enormously today,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “He’s been getting better every time out. Today was his best outing ever.”
The only run for Ole Miss (16-8, 5-4) was in the top of fifth when first baseman Matt Smith doubled and later scored on a wild pitch by Ross.
In the top of the ninth, freshman pitcher Matty Ott captured the save to end the game.
“He’s got great talent,” Mainieri said. “He’s got that extra something that the real winners have.”
The series victory is the sixth straight Southeastern Conference series wins for the Tigers (21-6, 6-3).
LSU faces Tulane at Turchin Stadium on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
 
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