LSU softball secured a 9-1 run-rule win over Central Arkansas on Tuesday, off the back of stellar batting performances, including three runs from Jaila Lassiter and three RBIs from Sierra Daniel.
Despite being held scoreless in three of the six innings, LSU started and closed the contest extremely well, securing three runs in the first inning and four runs in the sixth inning.
Almost every batter played a role in securing the blowout win, as LSU combined for 11 hits compared to Central Arkansas’ three. Along with the standout performances by Lassiter and Daniel, Kylee Edwards and Alix Franklin also kept up their recent hot streak, both securing two runs and a hit.
Tatum Clopton got her first start on the mound since her rough outing against South Carolina.
The fifth-year senior forced seven strikeouts while allowing only three hits before being replaced by freshman Cali Deal.
Deal would pitch 1.2 innings and look good as well, not allowing a hit.
In the first inning, LSU held Central Arkansas off from getting on base. Clopton forced a groundout and strikeout, while Franklin hauled in an impressive diving catch, resulting in three quick outs.
On LSU’s first turn at bat, Bears pitcher Bailee Runner seemed hesitant pitching to star hitters Lassiter and Kylee Edwards, resulting in two walks through the first three batters.
With two runners on base and only one out, Franklin drove in the first run of the contest with a nice double into center field, sending Lassiter home. Maci Bergeron then knocked a double into the gap between the Central Arkansas’ right and center fielders, sending Edwards and Franklin home comfortably from second and third.
Central Arkansas would be able to escape the first inning down three after forcing a groundout and would start to build some momentum in the second after first baseman Kaitlyn Graham smashed a home run into right-center field.
The bears followed up the run with a single, but Clopton would stay composed, forcing a strikeout to end the inning.
LSU’s defense got off the field quickly at the top of the third inning, with Clopton forcing a groundout and two strikeouts. In the Tigers’ turn at bat, Tori Edwards and Bergeron would get on first and second off a walk and a single, but they’d fail to score after a Char Lorenz groundout.
The pressure started to build for LSU in the fourth inning, after designated player Emma Robertson hit a lofted double down the right-field line. Franklin tracked it down, advancing runners to second and third.
Central Arkansas would then load up the bases with a walk, while still on zero outs, making LSU head coach Beth Torina visibly upset.
Despite the bad start, LSU’s defense would fight back under pressure and pull off three straight outs. Clopton looked unfazed at the mound, dealing two strikeouts to keep LSU’s two-run lead.
On the first pitch of LSU’s turn on the mound, freshman Rylie Johnson smashed the second home run of her career into center field, easing nerves in Tiger Park. Shortly after, Lassiter got her third hit of the night with a single and was quickly sent home after Daniel smashed a double into left-center field.
At the top of the fifth, Clopton would secure her seventh and final strikeout of the contest on the first at-bat before Deal replaced her. Deal forced a strikeout and groundout, resulting in the fourth straight scoreless inning for the Bears.
Central Arkansas decided to replace Runner with Lucy Crowder to start the bottom of the fifth. The change would not work as expected, though, after Tori Edwards started things off by being walked before stealing second. Lorenz then also walked, before Avery Hodge was forced out at first after a failed bunt, keeping the score at 5-1 with two innings to go.
LSU continued to make things harder for Central Arkansas, as the defense forced another scoreless inning.
The Tigers would continue pulling away from the Bears after Lassiter doubled a ball into center field, which was followed by a huge Daniel home run. With the score 7-1, Kylee Edwards continued the stretch of great batting with a single, leading to the Bears’ third pitcher change of the night.
Central Arkansas continued to have no answers for LSU’s offense, as Tori Edwards hit a double down the left field line, sending Kylee Edwards home for the eighth run of the contest.
LSU would put the contest to bed on the next at-bat, as Bergeron got her third hit of the night with a single, which sent Franklin home from second for the 9-1 run-rule win.
LSU can stretch its recent hot streak to Friday when it faces No. 12 Arizona.
