Freshman year is an adjustment period for many college students.
For LSU freshman first baseman Jake Slaughter and freshman third baseman Josh Smith, that adjustment extends to the baseball diamond.
Slaughter was recently reinserted in Tuesday’s game against Grambling after a two game absence due to inconsistent play.
In that time Slaughter said he got to learn a lot from a different perspective off of the field.
“Coach [Paul Mainieri] let me take a break and really let me get in the cages,” Slaughter said. “It’s hard to watch your team out there playing and not being out there but I know other people were doing there jobs.”
Slaughter said hitting coach Micah Gibbs worked on a few tweaks in his swing that he hopes will lead to some improvements.
“I worked on some minor hitting adjustments that will hopefully allow me to be more consistent at the plate,” Slaughter said.
The freshman also said some of the veterans on the team were very helpful in giving advice after the recent slump.
“You have to really just trust your teammates and our coaches,” Slaughter said. “You really just have to stay at it and keep working hard. You know if you’re not getting better you’re getting worse.”
In his first game back, Slaughter went 2-for-4 with one RBI in the 13-2 win over Grambling.
Smith has seen a different adjustment period, as he has remained the team’s third baseman since opening day and has impressed with his defense.
“It’s a lot of fun for sure,” Smith said. “Been getting a lot of work in at practice just trying to get used to the adjustments and having a good time playing baseball.”
Smith has picked the minds of upperclassmen this season and said it’s only a benefit to his progression as a player.
“They have a lot more experience,” Smith said. “Anytime you can pick apart their minds and get to know the game a little bit better it’s always fun to do that.”
Smith has put on a show over at third base for the Tigers coming up with multiple big plays. He says the key to making tough play is to react, not to think.
“I just react to it,” Smith said. “I try not to think about it because as soon as I think about it, it can just get in my head and I might throw it away. I just try to act as quickly as I can and try to slow the game down and make the play.
With a Southeastern Conference series this week against Arkansas, Slaughter is looking to build some momentum from his effective Tuesday night.
“I definitely have some confidence having a good game at the plate and in the field today,” Slaughter said. “I can’t wait to get up to Arkansas Friday and hopefully help my team win and do my job.”
Smith, Slaughter working to adjustment during first season
By Glen West
April 7, 2017
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