LSU softball trailed in the fifth inning against Texas A&M on Saturday and needed one run to tie the game.
The Tigers had been in this situation for all three games of the series and had seen the offense deliver the past two games.
On Thursday, it was an eighth-inning walk-off home run; Friday, a four-run sixth inning to finally take the lead. And Saturday, the Tigers put up seven runs in the final at-bat to conquer the Aggies.
In the series finale, LSU not only got the tying run, but crossed the plate six more times. The Tigers defeated Texas A&M 9-3 to end the weekend.
After losing two Southeastern Conference series in a row, the Tigers came back to their home turf and swept the Aggies.
“I think it’s odd that the team that scored first didn’t win any of the ball games … These guys never quit, never give up,” LSU head coach Beth Torina said. “That’s going to be their strongest thing as they go down the stretch.”
Losing in the sixth inning, LSU hit three singles in a row with one being an RBI from catcher Maci Bergeron. The game was tied, and two were still left on base.
Third Baseman Maddox McKee walked to load the bases. Then, left fielder Ali Newland came up to bat, hoping to put the Tigers ahead for the first time in the game.
She blasted a grand slam to the center field bleachers, giving the Tigers a 7-3 lead. It was her second grand slam this season.
“I’m pretty much trying to hit a home run every at-bat, being totally honest,” Newland said. “I’m trying to go up there and put my A-swing on something.”
To start the scoring for the Aggies in the second inning, third baseman Kennedy Powell tripled down the right-field line with the bases loaded, and three runners scored.
Pitcher Raelin Chaffin started the game, but was pulled after that play.
Sydney Berzon came in for the third time this weekend and saved LSU again. She earned the win after allowing only three hits and zero runs.
No LSU player has pitched three wins in one series since Brittany Mack in 2011.
“I love entering every game no matter the situation,” Berzon said. “I know when my number is called, I just have to be ready, regardless if it’s the first inning of a game or the last out of the game.”
Berzon held off the Aggies’ offense to give LSU a fighting chance to come back.
Tiger first baseman Raeleen Gutierrez delivered in the third inning.
She ripped a line drive to center field, bringing McKee and center fielder Ciara Briggs home. The Tigers were right back in the game.
“I feel like I speak for the whole staff when we say that when the offense does their job, it just feels great for everyone,” Berzon said.
However, the Tigers were still trailing 3-2 and couldn’t get another run for three more innings. The game was up for grabs for either team, until LSU’s pivotal sixth inning.
Despite some early-inning bumps in the road, LSU’s offense again had the grit and fight to rally. They made the Aggies rotate through three different pitchers in one inning.
“At the beginning of the game before they announce the lineup, they say it’s the 2024 ‘fighting’ Tigers of LSU,” Newland said. “Whether or not we always want it to be like that, I think that’s what you know you’re going to get from this team, a ton of fight, a ton of grit.”
The Tigers will be back at home against University of Louisiana Monroe on April 2 at 6 p.m.
