A big seventh inning wasn’t enough for LSU softball to overcome Texas A&M.
For the first time this season, LSU softball lost Game 1 of an SEC series, and it was by a large margin.
Softball is a game of steaks, and that was true for the Tigers in this game against the Aggies. The innings that were big, were huge, and the ones that weren’t, really weren’t.
Unlike most series openers for the Tigers, LSU didn’t score first. The Aggies scored first with a three-run shot, but LSU came back harder in the top of the third with a five run inning.
The Tigers’ ace, Sydney Berzon was in the circle against the Aggies in Game 1. After allowing nine runs, she was pulled in the fifth inning.
McNeese transfer Ashley Vallejo came into the game for the Tigers to relieve Berzon.
Vallejo struggled also. She had a hard time finding the strike zone, and the Aggies’ bats connected in big moments when she did find the zone.
This high scoring affair had its fair share of pitchers moments though.
In the first inning, LSU went down in order, and the Aggies were put to bed several times without crossing a runner.
Just because the score was high, doesn’t mean the defense didn’t show up. Maddox McKee keeps proving her name needs to be in the lineup. In the second straight game this season she made a diving play.
Once again the Tigers proved their grit; just because the game was high scoring doesn’t mean that LSU never forced a tough spot.
The five run inning for LSU was the first time runs were pushed across, but purple and gold traveled the base paths other times throughout the game.
The biggest example of a Tiger threat was in the seventh inning where LSU scored two runs, but left the bases loaded for the games’ end.
A big inning for A&M was the fourth, and they put the Bayou Bengals down by four runs. The Tigers had to come back from the deficit to beat the Aggies, but fell short.
A&M’s pitcher was on fire on Friday. The goal was to keep Tori Edwards and Maci Bergeron from both getting on base, and Emiley Kennedy did just that.
Not to say they weren’t productive, but they didn’t work together how they have in the past. The other names for LSU softball had to get it done.
Bergeron and Edwards were caught swinging at pitches they would usually take. Kennedy’s rise ball was killer on them.
Edward’s was able to overcome the rise ball in the seventh inning to give LSU another life.
Again, softball is a game of streaks. If LSU continues to play their game, there’s nothing saying they can’t take the series.
Coming back with a chip on their shoulder in Game 2 could turn the series around for the Bayou Bengals.
The Tigers lost 12-7 in seven innings. They play again Saturday at 2 p.m in College Station, Texas.
