LSU opened its three game series against Maryland with a sizzling performance from junior pitcher Alex Lange, defeating the Terrapins 6-1.

The Tigers (5-1) allowed only one run in the game behind a masterful pitching exhibition by Lange who threw 12 strikeouts, the third highest of his career.

Lange felt locked in the entire game and was surprised by his four strikeout first inning.

“I don’t think that’s ever happened to me before,” Lange said.  “It sets the tone for the entire game and showing the other team that you’re going to pound the zone.”

LSU coach Paul Mainieri was very impressed by the performance saying it was important that Lange set the tone early.

“Lange was virtually dominant tonight,” Mainieri said. “I thought he set the tone for the night. I like those three pitch strikeouts, it keeps his pitch count down.”

The crowd really got into the game after a swiping play by senior shortstop Kramer Robertson that led to a double play to get the Tigers out of an early jam.

The Tigers had a promising look in the second inning with two runners on base but the breaking ball of Maryland’s Brian Shaffer had the Tigers struggling the first two innings.

LSU ignited in the third inning scoring three runs on four hits.

A triple by sophomore center fielder Antoine Duplantis gave the Tigers the first run of the game followed up with a single by Robertson that scored another.

Freshman first baseman Jake Slaughter continued the scoring with a sacrifice fly ball that would score Robertson to give LSU a 3-0 lead at the end of three innings.

Lange gave up his first run of the season in the fourth inning as the Terrapins scored a to make the score 3-1 midway through the fourth. Lange had eight strikeouts through the fourth inning.

Lange was replaced in the seventh inning for freshman reliever Todd Peterson who was also effective for LSU.

Peterson allowed no runs with two strikeouts.

The Tigers piled on three insurance runs in the eighth inning thanks to a three run homer by junior catcher Michael Papierski, his first of the season.

Papierski was speechless after the game when describing Lange’s outing.

“He’s unbelievable,” Papierski said. “He always competes, his breaking ball was the best it’s ever been this year.  He was locked in and made the pitches he had to make.”

LSU plays Maryland again tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium as senior pitcher Jared Poche’ will take the mound for the second time this season.