Tatum Clopton and a big third inning came to the rescue early to lead LSU to a come-from-behind victory over McNeese on Tuesday.
Redshirt senior Ashley Vallejo started in the circle for the Tigers, but couldn’t record an out before the Cowgirls plated two. Clopton came in to relieve her and showed why she is one of the better pitchers on the LSU staff.
Clopton is an Oklahoma State transfer and has redshirted twice due to a shoulder injury. Because of her recovery from the injury, she has been used on a short leash in the 2025 season, but making big pitches in big moments has gotten her a spot to become the potential third starter throughout a weekend during SEC play.
She came into the game Tuesday night with the bases loaded in the first inning and got three consecutive outs to get the Tigers back to the dugout. Clopton induced a groundball back to herself and another to the first baseman. She ended the inning with her first strikeout for the night.
Making big pitches in these big moments is how she will be a key player in creating a trip to Oklahoma City for LSU. Since head coach Beth Torina has given Clopton a short leash, she hasn’t been utilized as much as her performance suggests.
She has a 1.88 earned run average in nine previous appearances as a Tiger and struck out 36 batters in 40 innings pitched.
Despite working only in a relief and midweek role, she has still expressed gratitude for being back on the field.
“I spent so long working towards the light at the end of the tunnel that to finally be at the end of the tunnel felt surreal,” Clopton said. “It still feels surreal getting to be out there and a part of this team and to just do what I can against the teams that I can. I know my role, and if that’s a supporting role this year, fantastic. I’m just so grateful to be out there and getting to throw and make a pain-free arm circle. That itself is a blessing.”
Her gratitude for being on the field has shown in every moment she has pitched, whether the situation has been tough or not. Even in the innings she worked by herself in the game against McNeese, she was full of energy and excitement to be back in the circle.
Not even a rain delay could stunt her electricity in the circle. Against McNeese on Tuesday, she allowed four hits and no runs while striking out four batters and walking none.
Eventually, the offense caught up to Clopton’s stellar pitching, and like always, when the Tigers start to hit, they electrify. Jaila Lassiter tied the game in the third inning with a two-RBI double off the top of the leftfield wall.
Lassiters’ hit in the third started a chain reaction that caused a five-run inning for LSU. The runs were scored on two doubles and two flyouts by the middle of the Tiger lineup.
McNeese didn’t slouch once LSU took a lead. The coaching staff decided to change pitchers in the fourth inning, and lefty Ryann Schexnayder was the pitcher of choice. Schexnayder was locked in relief, not allowing a run of her own.
The Cowgirls had a late-game rally in the seventh inning. Right fielder McKenzie Redoutey made a defensive gem to end the game. She threw out one of the Cowgirls at the plate on a routine single.
Hopefully, this come-from-behind victory will allow the purple and gold to find footing after a rough weekend against Texas, entering the penultimate week of SEC play.
LSU defeated McNeese 5-3 in seven innings of play. The Tigers will take on Florida at Tiger Park starting April 26 at 1 p.m.
