For the first time since 2022, LSU softball took the series from Alabama.
After their first series loss to South Carolina, the Tigers turned over a new leaf and looked like a new team against the Tide; something was ignited within LSU.
It was a weekend of textbook softball for the Tigers. On Friday, LSU took the game with an 8-0 run-rule win in five innings, highlighted by Jaila Lassiter’s second home run of the season. Saturday’s game was a pitchers’ duel, where Lassiter squeeze bunted Jadyn Laneaux home for the go-ahead run.
Sunday’s game was another pitchers’ duel in the beginning. It stayed tied through four innings, but Lauren Johnson broke it open for Alabama with a two-RBI double. That began the high-scoring affair the game turned into before the Tigers lost 8-5.
Throughout the weekend, the games were played consistently. The Tigers pushed hard to get an extra base in each game, which worked in their favor. For the first time this season, LSU proved that runs could be scored without needing to come up clutch with big hits every single time.
The games were slowed down in tight spots, seeing extra pitches and being patient. Senior McKenzie Redoutey led by example with this in game three, earning a walk on an 0-2 count. The next batter singled her to third base.
When it comes down to the wire, good pitching will stifle good hitting, and situational hitting will be needed to push runs across. Knowing when to use speed versus power will significantly show the value of versatility for the purple and gold.
The youth of this Tigers team has been harped on early in the season, and now, midway through the season, we see the youth positively come into play. LSU is always eager to take the extra base, see an additional pitch or fight for a new life at the plate.
But that is not to say there hasn’t been any maturity for the Bayou Bengals. Bouncing back from a significant loss is no easy feat, and being resilient and making the changes that coaches need to see has shown how they’ve grown throughout the season.
With the Tide’s series win, LSU is now tied for first in SEC play with Oklahoma and Texas. This Tigers team might be young, but they are easily hanging with the best of the best.
LSU head coach Beth Torina started three pitchers for the first time in SEC play. Ace Sydney Berzon started on Friday, Jayden Heavener followed suit on Saturday, and the newest addition to the Tigers’ SEC starters was McNeese transfer Ashley Vallejo.
The Tigers’ emphasis on pitching as a staff differed from this season’s previous series. In the series loss against South Carolina, Berzon and Heavener threw complete games, including the two losses.
In the Tide’s first series win, LSU outscored Alabama 15-8. The Tigers’ new style of play throughout this series could improve their longevity and give this team a new life in the middle of the season.
