When LSU jumps out to a six-run lead in the first inning against a winless opponent, a blowout usually follows.
But a resilient and pesky Mississippi Valley State (0-9) squad battled back Wednesday night as the No. 19 LSU baseball team (9-0) squeaked out a 10-8 win.
LSU hadn’t allowed more than four runs in a game all season prior to Wednesday.
After going down in order in the top of the first inning, the Delta Devils answered with three runs after the Tigers onslaught in the bottom of the first inning.
Sophomore right fielder Mason Katz smacked an RBI single to center field in the top of the third inning to increase LSU’s lead to 7-3.
MVSU answered with two more runs in the top of the second inning to cut LSU’s lead to 7-5. The Delta Devils chased LSU senior pitcher Daniel Bradshaw after 2 1/3 innings in his first start of 2011.
All five runs were earned as Bradshaw allowed six hits, including a two-run home run to junior first baseman Derek Wallace, who was hitting .200 with no home runs entering the game.
Junior pitcher Matty Ott earned his 29th save of his career, tying him with former Tiger Rick Greene as LSU’s all-time saves leader.
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Contact Rowan Kavner at [email protected]