LSU Softball captured its eighth consecutive win while firing on all cylinders, capturing another spectacular win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers by a final score of 10-2.
With being considered as one of the most challenging batting lineups to face in the nation, one particular player continues to make the most out of the opportunities on both sides of the diamond. And she can be found in the ninth hole for the purple and gold.
Junior infielder Avery Hodge, who transferred from the University of Oklahoma this previous off-season, has started to find her groove and consistently makes improvements with each passing game. Entering this matchup, Hodge has recorded two hits in each of the last four consecutive games.
In the bottom of the second inning, Hodge swung at the first pitch thrown and softly grounded in-between first base and the pitcher. While hustling down the line, Hodge managed to beat the throw at the base, which was being covered by Minnesota’s second baseman, and, due to a throwing error, managed to advance all the way to third base.
Due to causing this commotion with a combination of making efficient contact and blazing speed on the basepaths, redshirt freshman firstbaseman Tori Edwards came across the plate and increased the Tigers’ lead to 2-0.
After the next at-bat in this inning, Hodge would score standing up on a hard-hit double off the bat of leadoff hitter and third baseman Danieca Coffey that landed in left-center field.
Notably, Hodge displayed her willingness to flash the leather and provided an astonishing spark on the defensive side of the diamond.
With one baserunner on and one out in the top of the third inning, Minnesota senior right fielder Nani Valencia hit a sharp liner into the vicinity of an awaiting Avery Hodge. She would promptly secure the ball and, without hesitation, throw back towards first base and double up the scampering Gopher baserunner who attempted to slide back in safely.
Through making a significant defense play, Hodge’s confidence only continued to grow following a two RBI triple to left center that gave the Tigers a commanding 9-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Later this inning, junior centerfielder Jalia Lassiter ripped a single into right center field and secured a run-rule victory.
Behind such a stellar performance, Hodge remains proud of the resilience of this team.
“I think it’s just a combination of everything that this team [has] put in… I’ve been working really hard to be where I’m at right now,” Hodge said. “I think it’s really important for the bottom half of the lineup to just turn it over… we’re getting on base for our big hitters to [drive] us in.”
Junior right fielder McKenzie Redoutey also contributed at the plate, knocking in two baserunners on a single into right field in the bottom of the first inning and truly setting the tone for the team’s impending offensive performance.
Starting pitcher Sydney Berzon had an interesting outing, giving up 10 hits through only five innings of work. However, Berzon maneuvered through multiple situations with various baserunners and limited the damage to only two runs scored.
The final line for Berzon was 5.0 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB and 3 SO on 82 total pitches, which has added to her undefeated record (9-0).
With the team improving to 23-1 on the season, LSU Softball Head Coach Beth Torina remains adamant about this team continuing to exceed expectations and embraces the first real challenges of the season as in-conference play is right around the corner.
“That was my message after the game to the team… if you’re not excited about what’s in front of us, you need to check your pulse,” Head Coach Beth Torina said. “It’s an exciting week. It’s a cool time to be a part of this program… but I don’t think we want to sit on that or catch our breath. We want to go and keep the pedal down.”
No. 4-ranked LSU softball has its sights on playing against in-state rival the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns on Tuesday, March 10, at 6:00 p.m. CST at Tiger Park.
Following this matchup, the Tigers kick off in-conference play with a three-game series against the Kentucky Wildcats at home this upcoming weekend.
