Just a day after being dominated by LSU sophomore starter Anthony Ranaudo, No. 6 Georgia’s bats came alive to even its series with No. 2 LSU.
The Bulldogs pounded out 18 hits and scored in five different innings en route to a 10-8 win Saturday in Athens, Ga.
“Georgia has some outstanding hitters, and they had a very good day swinging the bats,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri in a news release. “I thought our players did a great job of hanging in and still having a chance to win at the end of the game. We’re looking forward to coming out [Sunday] and playing our best with a chance to win the series.”
The Tigers took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning on a home run by junior outfielder Jared Mitchell.
But Georgia fired back in the bottom half of the inning and exploded for four runs, capped by a three-run home run by Bulldogs’ designated hitter Bryce Massanari.
Georgia answered an LSU run in the third with two more to take a 6-2 lead.
The Bulldogs’ third inning ran LSU sophomore starter Austin Ross out of the game.
But the Bulldogs had just as much success against LSU’s second pitcher Ryan Byrd and scored four runs in his four innings of work.
The Tigers tried to fight back in the late innings. They scored three runs in the eigth inning and brought the tying run to the plate in the ninth inning, but Georgia closer Dean Weaver retired freshman outfielder Mikie Mahtook to end the game.
LSU and Georgia will play the rubber match tomorrow at 11 a.m.
 
—-Contact Casey Gisclair at [email protected]