LSU had a slow start against Georgia in Game 2 of the series before coming alive in the fourth inning on Saturday in Athens.
The Tigers wasted no time getting on base, creating a threat in the first inning, but the defense initially did the job for LSU. Both teams were pressuring each other early and often.
Similarly to Friday’s contest, the Bulldogs weren’t afraid to fight back and match the Tigers’ energy. Georgia got out of a jam in the first inning with a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Challenging situations were a running theme for both teams, and the pitchers did their jobs well pitching with traffic.
Both teams took the southpaw route for game two’s starters. Freshman Jayden Heavener got the start for LSU, and Georgia started Lilli Backes in the circle. Both teams began with lefties, and both teams were privy to the jams in the field, but for the most part, defense got the job done.
Heavener earned her stripes in her first complete game in SEC play, but her tendency to walk batters almost got the best of her. Heavener walked seven batters through six innings pitched.
Backes also gave out her fair share of free passes. LSU drew eight walks throughout the game.
The Tigers scratched the first run across in Game 2. McKenzie Redoutey walked to start the second inning and scored on a Sierra Daniel single up the middle.
Georgia wasted no time responding. They took advantage of another LSU jam in the bottom of the third. Heavener walked three straight batters to lead off the inning, and a bloop single to shallow left field put the Bulldogs on the board.
Most runs of the ballgame were courtesy of free walks in the fourth inning. Once the Tigers got a fire lit under them, there was no contest to be had.
Jaila Lassiter broke the game open in the top of the fourth inning, and LSU never slacked up. They scored at least one run in each inning after.
The Tigers came alive so much that they finished the game in six innings.
Despite Heavener’s challenges in the circle, her teammates had her back. The defense got it done until the offense bailed her out, and when they did, it was big.
The momentum shift for the Tigers was massive, and if they continue to turn the tables in their favor, SEC play will be a great piece of LSU’s strength of schedule.
Bailing out of weak spots in the game is enormous, whether it is big defense, offense or pitching. This Tigers team has proved to be young and fiery, and once they find the gas pedal, there are no brakes to be seen.
LSU finished the game by an eight-run margin, outsourcing the Bulldogs 10-2.
The Tigers will look for their second SEC sweep on Sunday afternoon.
