The LSU Tigers (11-4) defeated the Wichita State Shockers (8-5) by a score of 12-5 in the second game of the series on Saturday.
Despite the first game on Friday ending almost at midnight due to several weather delays,  the Tigers were ready for a 1 p.m. start on Saturday.
“I told them how proud of them I was,” said LSU Head Coach Paul Mainieri. “They came out this morning, even during batting practice and stretching, with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. They played like it.”
Senior LHP Jared Poche’ started on the mound for the Tigers, going seven innings with only four hits allowed, three strikeouts and giving up no runs.
This 7-inning, 0-run performance extended Poche’s consecutive scoreless innings to begin the season to 29.
“I was thinking about hooking him after five innings,” said Mainieri. “Then, in the fifth inning he threw pretty well. In the sixth inning, he threw even better. Poche’ did what he does.”
The Tigers hit three home runs on the day: Junior right fielder Greg Deichmann, senior catcher Michael Papierski and freshman center fielder Zach Watson were the ones to go yard.
Watson started his second game this season in competition for the center field starting position with sophomore Brennan Breaux. Watson went 3-4 with four RBIs and slammed the ball to left field and over the bleachers for his first career home run.
“I knew he was going to try to beat me inside,” said Watson. “I said if he throws this one a little lower, I’m going to try to hit this ball over. And sure enough, I hit it over. First career home run. It felt amazing.”
“We got a real spark from Zach Watson today,” said Mainieri. “He’s an electric athlete. He has a wiry strength about him and can really run. I think he’s earned himself another start for tomorrow, for sure.”
Wichita State scored all of their five runs in the ninth inning.
LSU will go for the series sweep Sunday at 2 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium.