LSU’s pitching staff delivered a top-notch performance this weekend, leading the Tigers to a much-needed three-game sweep over Mississippi State at Alex Box Stadium.
The Tigers’ pitchers combined for 38 strikeouts while allowing just 15 runs and nine walks across the series, showcasing their ability to control the game from the mound.
Thursday’s series opener saw LSU grind out an 8-6 victory behind a strong bullpen performance. Friday starter Kade Anderson lasted four innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits while striking out five. The Tigers’ offense provided no run support until they mounted their comeback in the fifth inning.
Mississippi State pushed consistently in the early innings, cutting the deficit to three, but LSU’s bullpen held firm. Zac Cowan earned the victory with 59 pitches and seven strikeouts across four scoreless innings.
Cowan solidified his role. He is more than just a relief pitcher for the Tigers.
Friday’s contest turned into a classic pitchers’ duel, with LSU edging out a 2-1 victory thanks to a stellar performance from Anthony Eyanson. The right-hander improved to 4-0 on the season, throwing five innings of one-run baseball while striking out 12 and hitting a new season-high pitch count of 103. His only blemish came in the fifth inning when Mississippi State’s Hunter Hines delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 1-1.
“Gigantic step forward for Anthony this week, and we have put some things in place Monday, and that really helped,” said Tigers head coach Jay Johnson. “There is also a whole lot of ability with the right mental makeup and pitch ability from Casan, and that was impressive tonight.”
LSU’s bullpen once again delivered in the late innings, with freshman Casan Evans delivering four shutout innings to give his team the 2-1 win.
Tigers starter Chase Shores overcame a rocky second inning in Saturday’s late-night series finale, in which he allowed four runs. He settled in and pitched four innings while striking out five. Shores’ resilience was tested further in the fourth inning when he took a line drive off his face but remained in the game to finish the frame.
Jaden Noot took to the mound to clean up the last two innings. After only giving up a single, Noot got a flyout to end the inning for the Tigers unscathed.
LSU’s offense continued to pile on the runs to win Game 3 17-8 into the early morning hours.
With the sweep, LSU builds momentum heading into their Tuesday matchup against Louisiana Tech before a highly anticipated weekend series in Norman against Oklahoma.
If the Tigers’ pitching staff can maintain its dominance while its bats quickly continue producing at a high level, LSU could be poised for a deep postseason run.
