In a high-powered SEC showdown between top 10 teams, No. 3 LSU flexed its offensive muscle against No. 10 South Carolina, earning a statement victory at Tiger Park. The Tigers’ bats came alive early and often, propelling them past the Gamecocks in a mercy-rule victory.
LSU’s offense was relentless from the start, with junior catcher Maci Bergeron. Bergeron, who has been on a tear this season, extended her hitting streak to 30 hits.
She ripped a three-run homer in the first inning that sparked a three-run rally, putting the Tigers ahead for good.
Bergeron finished 1-for-3 with a home run, three RBI and a walk.
Redshirt freshman Tori Edwards continued her strong start to the season with a grand slam in the second inning, giving LSU an 8-0 lead over South Carolina.
Edwards, who entered the game hitting .419 on the year, has been a valuable addition to the Tigers’ lineup, adding both speed and power.
Edwards ended 2-for-2 with a home run, five RBI and a walk.
The Tigers weren’t done there. As the game continued on, the bats were still on fire, and their speed and athleticism continued to come in clutch when necessary. LSU racked up double-digit hits against a South Carolina pitching staff that was no match for the Tigers.
“The offense set a good tone,” head coach Beth Torina said. “I think they found a lot of good ways to get on base and drew a lot of walks. That helps you get the crooked number innings. The offense was definitely the star of the show tonight.”
Tigers ace Sydney Berzon delivered another gem, tossing five strong innings with only three allowed hits. She gave no breaks by striking out four players. She effectively mixed her pitches to keep South Carolina’s potent lineup off balance.
“Sydney [Berzon] was awesome tonight,” Torina said. “We probably got a little ahead of us at the end trying to finish the game, but overall, I thought she was awesome tonight. I saw a lot of good things she’s been working on for a good bit.”
The Gamecocks luckily escaped a shutout game in a last-ditch effort in the top of the fifth, reaching base three times due to narrowly missed balls. But it still wasn’t enough for the South Carolina team.
From the third inning, LSU secured its win with its strong bats, showing no mercy to the Gamecocks and ending the game early after the beginning weather delay.
With the 11-3 win, LSU continues to build its case as an SEC powerhouse, improving its record in conference play. The Tigers will look to carry this momentum into the remainder of the series, while South Carolina will aim to regroup and find answers at the plate.
In a battle of top-tier programs, LSU’s offensive firepower proved to be the difference in an electrifying Saturday night at Tiger Park.
