The bases are loaded with two outs and a full count. Will LSU get the strikeout to end the inning, or will its opponent score a run?
Every Tiger pitcher has been in this situation and got out of it.
They throw a drop ball, rise ball or curveball to catch the batter looking or swinging at the third strike. The crowd, already standing and clapping, erupts into even louder cheering.
If ace pitcher Sydney Berzon threw the strikeout, she’s smiling and celebrating to set her teammates up for the next at-bat.
If it’s second-day pitcher Kelley Lynch, she’ll crack a smile, but is still ultimately calm, just like she was throughout the critical moment.
If it’s third-day pitcher Raelin Chaffin, she’s pointing at the batter, calling them out for taking her bait. She’s aggressive with the celebration just like her pitching style.
All tasked with the same job, LSU’s starting pitchers have the same end goal: throw strikes, shutout opponents. But how they get there is varied. Not only do they each have a distinct pitching arsenal, but they show their differing personalities throughout each game.
“I really like the combination of them,” head coach Beth Torina said. “I think they’re so different. I think that’s what makes us so tough to prepare for. All three pitchers have very different strengths, very different looks.”
Together, the three pitchers create a Tiger triple threat in each series.
Sydney Berzon
Serving as LSU’s ace pitcher and main reliever, sophomore Berzon has a lot on her plate when on the mound.
She’s thrown into games when the bases are loaded, when LSU has already given up multiple runs or when the Tigers desperately need a third out.
But, Berzon is ready when her number is called, and she always performs with positivity.
“It’s funny because Syd is the same way in the bullpen as she is in the game,” Chaffin said. “She’s always smiling.”
Berzon doesn’t let the negative status of a game affect her mind or arm.
“I like to keep it light,” Berzon said. “I like to keep it loose even in those situations, and the excitement just helps me a lot.”
Sticking to the positive mindset, Berzon said she likes coming into games during crucial moments, as it’s a chance to improve and change the energy of the game.
Berzon ranks in the top 10 of the Southeastern Conference in strikeouts, batters struck out looking, wins and saves.
“We call her ‘Syd Burrr’ because she’s cold … She always looks the same, and it’s something that definitely helps her be successful,” left fielder Ali Newland said.
Kelley Lynch
When watching an LSU softball game, it’s hard to gage Lynch’s emotions in the circle. She can walk a batter or strike them out, and her face won’t show it. She’s all-around calm and collected.
“I think some people say I look mad all the time,” Lynch laughed. “But I’m really just focused in, trying to get the job done.”
She has to be locked in for all seven innings. Lynch’s job isn’t done after pitching.
As a dual-threat player, she has to be ready to play offense, too. If Lynch scores a run, it’s good for LSU. But, if she scores on a day she’s pitching, it helps take away some pressure on the mound.
“I think it creates a cool balance,” Lynch said. “I don’t have to come in the dugout and worry about what I just did on the mound for 15 minutes. I get to put my helmet on and focus on hitting. It allows me to stay really present.”
Lynch transferred to LSU after playing four seasons at Washington. She now produces on offense and defense for the Tigers in a laid back, easygoing way. She said this mentality helps her stay focused.
“I try to keep my breath and heart rate as even as possible because I know that’s when I perform best, and I’m the most consistent,” Lynch said.
However, off the field, she shows a different personality to her teammates.
“Kelley is actually really goofy outside of it,” Chaffin said. “In the game you see her super nonchalant, and she’s actually super goofy and fun. It’s weird to see two different sides from her. From the game to the bullpen, it’s two completely different things.”
Raelin Chaffin
Since her freshman season with LSU, Chaffin’s had a mission to pitch in every Southeastern Conference series. Now a junior, she’s on track to complete this goal in her last seasons with the Tigers.
Chaffin’s had notable wins this year against Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Houston.
“I’ve pitched the most innings I’ve ever pitched this season already … It’s been super cool to see myself grow into that,” Chaffin said.
Using vocals to enunciate her strikes or stomping her feet in celebration, Chaffin is assertive in the circle. She’s not afraid to feel and show excitement in the middle of a game.
If a batter watches her third strike, Chaffin will point at them, letting them know she won that battle.
“I always get super excited about the little things,” Chaffin said. “I celebrate all the little wins within the win itself.”
Chaffin said she gets pumped up after a big strikeout or play because it rubs off onto her teammates, getting them ready for the next at-bat.
With the regular season coming to an end, postseason tournaments are approaching. LSU’s pitchers will be key in carrying this team past the first rounds.
