Despite five errors, LSU’s offense was able to overpower Texas Southern’s pitching staff in a 15-7 victory for the Tigers.
The game was close through six innings with LSU holding a 9-7 lead. Then junior catcher Michael Papierski and freshman center fielder Zach Watson hit back-to-back home runs to extend the lead to 13-7.
Watson was key for LSU, adding two home runs and four RBIs.
LSU’s bottom three hitters in Josh Smith, Papierski and Watson combined for six hits and nine RBIs.
“If the top of our lineup isn’t doing so hot, I feel like me and Pap come in and get a hit here and there,” Watson said. “Just really get the game going. Our top of the order is really great, it is not just us.”
Papierski said that hitting coach Micah Gibbs preached patience against the slow-pitching Anthony Martinez. The Tigers started off slow in the first two innings, but ended the day with 12 hits and seven walks.
The 15 runs scored by LSU are the most runs scored by a Tiger team in a regional since 2000 when they defeated Louisiana Monroe 21-0.
Jared Poche took the mound LSU, and had the chance to tie LSU’s career win record, but it wasn’t meant to be. The left-handed pitcher’s defense hung him out to dry with five errors through 4⅓ innings pitched. Poche allowed five hits, seven runs, two earned runs, three walks, and tied a career high with eight strikeouts.
“We know we have played good defense all year,” senior shortstop Kramer Robertson said. “There is a mindset going into tomorrow, it’s over with, we are a good team, and we still have the best defense in the country.”
Poche was replaced by sophomore Caleb Gilbert in the middle of the fifth inning. Gilbert shut down Texas Southern’s offense, giving up two hits and no runs over the course of 2⅔ innings.
Coach Paul Mainieri said he shoulders some of the blame for not having the team focused in, and letting distractions seep in.
“We got away from focusing on playing good, solid baseball,” Mainieri said. “It’s my fault more than anybodies. I just don’t think we looked like a very well coached team today.”
“I just want our players to forget about this game as quickly as possible, and get ready for tomorrow night.”
LSU moves onto to winner’s bracket, and will face the winner of Southeastern and Rice on Saturday. Junior pitcher Alex Lange is expected to start on the mound for the Tigers.
