LSU didn’t need any late game dramatics to defeat No. 1 seed Mississippi State on Thursday night.

In fact, the No. 4 seed Tigers (42-17) didn’t have a rough time beating the Bulldogs (41-15-1) 6-2.

LSU junior pitcher Jared Poche’ had a shaky first inning. The hurler had issued two walks to load the bases in the top of the first. But, the gusty veteran didn’t fret, getting the next batter to ground out in a fielder’s choice to end the inning.

It turned out to be the last time the Bulldogs would have any type of scoring threat.

Poche’ (7-4) ended up throwing for six and 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and one earned run, his offense would do what it needed to secure a victory. Mississippi State starting pitcher, junior Dakota Hudson didn’t fare as well against LSU. Hudson only lasted five innings, allowing nine hits and four runs.

In the two times the Tigers have faced Hudson, they’ve had much success. LSU has a total of 21 hits, 11 runs and have drawn four walks against the hurler.

After getting ahead 4-0, the Bulldogs cut into the LSU lead, aided by an error between freshman Antoine Duplantis. Freshman second baseman Cole Freeman miscommunicated with Duplantis on a routine fly-ball and in the way of Duplantis being able to field the ball.

That error helped propel two Bulldog runs, but LSU would get those runs back—on a nearly identical play. Sophomore catcher Michael Papierski put things out reach with his first hit since April 24th, driving home two runs to make the score 6-2.
LSU will have a much needed day off and will the winner of the Florida and Mississippi State game on Saturday.