LSU’s scorching at bats gave the Tigers the upper hand over Akron Friday night, resulting in a mercy rule 8-0 win over the Zips.
Junior shortstop Kylee Edwards slammed a two-run double late in the first inning, and with the help of Char Lorenz’s single, LSU took a 3-0 lead early in the game.
“Today was fun,” Edwards said. “We were just out there playing Tiger softball and just [what] we did a lot during the season. So going out here, playing free and just being ourselves. I think that was our main goal today and that’s what we did.”
That early momentum set by Edwards for LSU wasn’t’ the only problem for Akron. Rather, it was sophomore Jayden Heavener in the pitcher’s circle. Heavener controlled the strike zone within all seven innings, finishing her night with 11 strikeouts over the Zips.
“I think Jayden starting the three strikeouts in the first inning really set the tone,” Torina said. “Then our offense came out, score early, which I think was a big lift for us.”
The Tigers didn’t stop. Late in the third inning, sophomore Alix Franklin bombed a home run deep into center field to increase the lead.
Not only did the top of the lineup produce up at the plate, but also the back half, such as senior Avery Hodge singling into left field and junior Ally Hutchins singling into center field, pushing the lead to 6-0 over the Zips.
“Just a really great example of who we are,” Torina said. “[It’s] the way we wanted to start this tournament, and I think they did exactly what we set out to do.”
While success was easily found for LSU, it was difficult for Akron. The Zips produced three hits in seven innings while striking out 11 times over LSU’s Jayden Heavener.
With Friday night’s win over Akron, Heavener tied her career-high in strikeouts and doesn’t plan on slowing down her momentum in the pitcher’s circle. However, it will be up to pitchers Patyn Monticelli and Tatum Clopton to carry the Tigers over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Saturday, who rank No.5 in batting average in the country.
LSU (38-17) faces Virginia Tech Saturday at noon at Tiger Park for its second game of its Baton Rouge Regional.
