The No. 6 Tigers started slow but overpowered Ball State, 9-3, on Saturday in Alex Box Stadium after an eight-run fourth inning.
“We had some really big hits in that inning,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “[Sophomore first baseman Greg] Deichmann, of course, had a big one. [Junior shortstop Kramer Robertson] had a big one. There were really a lot of big hits in that inning.”
After a 50 minute rain delay, the Tigers (11-3) completed the first two innings with two hits but zero runs.
The Cardinals (8-8) went on the board first in the top of third with a two-run triple by senior second baseman Ryan Spaulding.
LSU answered with a RBI double in the third by freshman rightfielder Antoine Duplantis, before breaking out in the fourth.
“I said last night that we were just one big hit away from the gates opening and a snowball effect of hits,” said Robertson. “We just didn’t get that big hit last night and tonight, we got those hits. One guy after another just came up there and won their at bat.”
The first three batters for the Tigers reached the basepaths for Deichman who singled to right field, bringing in two runs.
One batter later, junior second baseman Cole Freeman brought in one with the bases loaded, and Robertson followed by bringing in two with the bases loaded.
By time the Tigers recorded their final out, 13 batters had been at the plate, and LSU piled on an additional eight runs to take a 9-2 lead.
“We just came up with some clutch hits when we needed them,” said sophomore rightfielder Bryce Jordan. “We just started rallying and feeding off of each other. We know that is what we were capable of, and that is why we are never out of a game.”
First baseman Caleb Stayton had an RBI for the Cardinals in the fifth inning, but the Tigers controlled the rest of the game.
LSU was 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position on Friday, but were 5-for-14 on Saturday. LSU was 4-for-8 leading off after going 0-for-9 on Friday.
The Tigers play Ball State again on Sunday at noon.
”I am really, really excited,” said starting pitcher Alex Lange. “I think there are a lot of good things going on right now with this team and just excited looking forward. We have got areas that we got to improve on and be better for next weekend.”