After mercy-ruling five of its last six opponents, the No. 4 LSU softball team’s offense was slow to get going in Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader against Longwood.
The Tigers (20-2) defeated the Lancers (9-6) 4-0 and slowly built a lead throughout the matchup. LSU scored in the first, third and fifth innings to consistently extend their lead.
While the hometown squad kept earning runs, freshman Pitcher Sydney Smith shut down the visitors, earning her fifth win and remaining perfect.
Smith did allows five hits, but the Lancers could not manufacture a single run against the freshman. She struck out 8 batters and lowered her ERA to 0.62.
Longwood starting pitcher Elizabeth McCarthy was awarded the loss, after being chased from the game in the third. She allowed three hits and three runs while walking another four Tiger batters.
LSU had a relatively quiet night at the plate finishing the first game 5-for-21 from the dish. Sophomore Emily Griggs was the only Tiger with multiple hits.
The Tigers top two hitters Juniors second baseman Constance Quinn and third baseman Sahvanna Jaquish both went hitless in the matchup.
Jaquish was on fire defensively recording two putouts and five assists.
Junior Baylee Corbello will likely start the second game in the circle for LSU. First pitch for the night cap will be at approximately 7:43 p.m.
You can reach Marc Stevens on Twitter @Marc_TDR