Opening weekend for LSU Baseball is officially over as the Tigers have successfully completed a three-game sweep. None of this would have been possible without a few unsung heroes on the roster.

Sunday’s game marked the much anticipated return of starting pitcher Chase Shores, who had an impressive freshman season before Tommy John surgery sidelined him for most of the past two years.

Though, Shores gave up an early run in the first inning, he quickly settled in and had a good outing, pitching five innings, allowing just three hits and one run, while striking out seven.

“Honestly just the adrenaline, you know, it was nice to be in a real game like situation again and I guess I just felt good just the getting the reps back,” Shores said. 

“Just getting the feel for things is, you know, really been I wouldn’t say a struggle, but it has taken some time and you know I think I’m finally ready.”

Purdue Fort Wayne’s pitching staff kept LSU’s offense in check through the first three innings.

In the fourth inning, Ashton Larson ignited the Tigers bats with a home run over the center field wall, giving LSU a much needed 3- 1 lead.

“Like I love to play baseball, like this is my life and so when I’m out there competing, there’s no extra pressure,” Larson said.

“You know like we spend hours and hours practicing situations and swings and stuff like that so then you’re just executing, you don’t have to think too much.”

While no player had a standout showing as big as Larson, the Tigers offense was efficient, stringing together key hits to build their lead.

On the the mound the Tigers saw strong performances from their freshman pitchers. William Schmidt made his debut out of the bullpen and he struck out one and allowed no hits in his first inning as a Tiger.

This win puts LSU at 3-0 to start the season and the Tigers can only build on the talent shown this weekend at the Box.

LSU Baseball returns to Alex Box Stadium on Tuesday, to take on in-state opponent Southern.