Two outs. Bases loaded. It is a situation that could shake rookie a pitcher to the core.
But not Ma’Khail Hilliard. 
The freshman struck out Mississippi State’s Elijah MacNamee in LSU’s biggest jam of the game. Hilliard also handed the Bulldogs eight more K’s in his six-inning appearance, a career-high for the right-hander. 
“I’m a better pitcher [under pressure],” Hilliard said. “My focus goes up, everything is heightened.”
His confidence is another thing that is especially high. Coach Paul Mainieri explained there is not anything that can shake the pitcher’s focus.
“He’s got unflappable confidence,” Mainieri said. “Nothing is too big for him.”
Hilliard’s assuredness on the mound is obvious. 
Even with the roar of 11,000 purple-and-gold-clad fans, Hilliard keeps his composure.