A late offensive explosion helped LSU defeat Florida 10-6 and avoiding a sweep from the Gators.
The Tigers (18-7, 4-2 Southeastern Conference) got their first win of the season away from Alex Box and did so with three two run homers in the eighth inning.
Sunday saw undefeated freshman pitcher Eric Walker going against Florida sophomore Jackson Kowar with both pitchers showing inconsistent outings.
LSU had struggled in the series to score with one combined run for a team averaging eight runs per game on the season.
Walker began the first two innings with three strikeouts and didn’t allow a hit during that span.
Another sensational play by right fielder Greg Deichmann saved a run in the second inning.
An error on a potential throw-out at second scored the first run of the game giving Florida a 1-0 lead after three.
LSU got things swinging in the fourth inning after a double from center fielder Zach Watson left runners at second and third with one out.
Strikeouts from freshman third baseman Josh Smith and freshman first baseman Jake Slaughter ended the inning and the Tigers threat.
The Tigers once again struggled with runners in scoring position going 0-for-3 through four innings.
Florida added to its lead in the fourth with a two out solo home run by right fielder Nelson Maldonado giving the Gators a 2-0 edge.
Walker ran into more trouble in the fifth allowing three runs to be scored before being yanked for freshman reliever Matthew Beck with two outs in the inning.
Walker finished the day allowing five runs on five hits with six strikeouts and four walks, after walking just five batters his previous five starts.
LSU’s offense in the sixth came alive with a two RBI single from DH Beau Jordan with two outs cutting the lead to 5-2.
A sacrifice fly in the seventh from the Gators scored a run making it a 6-2 lead with two innings for the Tigers to play catch up.
LSU exploded in the eighth with a single from Deichmann and a home run from Smith to cut the lead in half against the Gators in the top of the eighth 6-4.
Two batters later, Jordan sent a two run shot to left field tying the game at six.
LSU took its first lead of the series with its third home run of the inning from senior second baseman Cole Freeman giving LSU a 8-6 advantage. It was Freeman and Jordan’s first home runs of the season.
LSU added two insurance runs in the ninth opening the game wide open for the Tigers.
Sophomore reliever Caleb Gilbert finished the game for LSU with a 1-2-3 inning to finish the Gators off.
The Tigers will head back to Baton Rouge for a midweek stint with Tulane on Tuesday with first pitch slated for 6:30 p.m.
LSU salvages series against Florida with late offensive outburst
By Glen West
March 26, 2017
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