The LSU softball team, which is tied for No. 3 in the nation, boasts one of the most explosive and dynamic lineups in the country. 
During the best start for any team in LSU history, the Tigers’ (25-0) lineup has consistently broken games open with a single inning by focusing on the selfless mantra “pass the bat.”
“Basically, ‘passing the bat’ means that we’re just trying to do anything possible in order to get the bat into the person behind us hands,” said senior center fielder A.J. Andrews. “The more times people get an at-bat, the more they see the pitcher and the better they get [against the pitcher].” 
This approach has fueled obvious success. The Tigers have scored five or more runs in 15 innings this season. In 21 of its 25 games, LSU has scored at least six runs.
The lineup’s productivity begins with Andrews in the leadoff spot and sophomore right fielder Bailey Landry at No. 2. Andrews and Landry attack defenses with arsenal an of weapons, like their bunting, slapping and speed. The duo has scored a combined 61 runs this season. 
Andrews’ ability to get on base has allowed her to set up the rest of the lineup. She leads the Tigers with a .633 on-base percentage and 24 walks while hitting .508 this season. 
Andrews’ speed and aggressive base running allows her to get into scoring position and take advantage of every trip around the bases.  She leads LSU with a perfect 13-13 on stolen base attempts this season after tallying a 38-40 mark in 2014. 
“I’m just trying to get on base in order for Bailey Landry to get an at-bat,” Andrews said.  
Landry has been a rock for LSU, earning at least one hit in a program-record 17-straight games. Landry shows versatility at the plate by switching between slapping and regular hitting, throwing off opposing defenses. 
Landry leads LSU’s slappers with six doubles and trails only junior shortstop Bianka Bell in hits. Her consistency at the plate is key to the Tigers’ ability to string together hits in a single inning. 
“Most of the time, they’ve really shown some selfless at-bats,” said LSU assistant coach Howard Dobson. “They’re taking some pitches, and they are really understanding and passing along what the information is. You have Bailey feeding off of A.J.”  
The combination of Andrews and Landry has sparked the Tigers’ two most productive innings of the season, when LSU scored 10 runs in the first innings against Nebraska on Feb. 21 and Northwestern State on March 3. 
Against Northwestern State, Andrews led off with a single to right field and stole second. Landry drove her in with a bunt single to third for the Tigers’ first run. 
LSU tallied nine more runs on six hits in the frame, including doubles by Landry and sophomore infielder Sahvanna Jaquish.  
Although Andrews and Landry are sparks for LSU, the rest of the lineup is deep with marquee power hitters, like Bell and Jaquish.
Bell is now the LSU career home run leader with 34 in three seasons, while Jaquish leads the SEC with 11 homers and 45 RBIs. 
The “pass the bat” mantra has allowed LSU to dominate innings with individual Tigers shining in the best role for the team overall. 
“It’s very contagious it seems like,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “Once somebody starts hitting, it gives the next hitter confidence that they can do it as well. We have shown to have a really potent offense, and they’re a tough out No. 1 through No. 9 … Once they get the ball rolling, they’re tough to stop.”
You can reach Morgan Prewitt on Twitter @kmprewitt_TDR.