Just two days removed from an offensive explosion against Missouri in Game 3, the No. 6 LSU softball team returns to Baton Rouge to host Southeastern Louisiana at 6 p.m. tonight in Tiger Park. 
The Tigers (42-8, 14-7 Southeastern Conference) hope to defend their perfect record against their in-state rivals before facing No. 8 Auburn in their last SEC series this
weekend. 
LSU has been dominant at the plate against Louisiana opponents this season, outscoring them 44-13 while notching two wins by mercy rule.
Against Southeastern Louisiana (20-25, 14-8 Southland Conference), the Tigers’ power hitters have an opportunity to shine against a pitching rotation that has allowed 38 home runs this season.
The Lady Lions’ junior ace Taylor Bishop (13-6) leads the rotation with a .241 opposing batting average, 44 strikeouts, 48 walks and 3.02 ERA, which is sixth-best in the Southland Conference. 
Despite her success this season, Bishop has allowed 18 homers, opening the door for the Tigers’ power-laden lineup to have another record-setting day at the plate. 
In 2015, junior shortstop Bianka Bell, sophomore infielder Sahvanna Jaquish and junior catcher Kellsi Kloss became the first LSU trio to record at least 10 homers apiece since 2008. The group has tallied 43 of the Tigers’ 53 home runs this season. 
Jaquish is one long ball away from setting the LSU single-season home run record for the second straight season after breaking Leslie Klein’s 2004 record with 17 homers in her freshman campaign. 
Although Bell, Jaquish and Kloss have supplied most of LSU’s homers this season, the speed in the Tigers’ lineup is also capable of smashing one over the fence. 
In LSU’s 9-0 win against Missouri in Game 3 on Monday, junior first baseman Sandra Simmons capped off a five-run inning for the Tigers with a three-run homer, only her second long ball of the season and the ninth of her
career. 
While the offense aims to stay productive at the plate, the Tigers’ focus in the circle is simple — reduce free passes. 
In LSU’s last seven games, LSU pitchers have allowed 30 walks and 18 earned runs while striking out 28 batters. 
Despite the sub-500 record, Southeastern’s lineup will test the Tigers’ patience in the circle with batters who possess a variety of strengths at the
plate. 
Freshman infielder Sydney Booker and junior infielder Amber Sather lead the team in home runs (7 each) and several other key statistical categories. Booker leads the Lady Lions with a .667 slugging percentage and 45 RBIs this season, while Sather tops the Southland in walks this season. 
Junior outfielder Katie Lacour and freshman outfielder Kinsey Nichols bring speed to the Lady Lions’ order, combining for 12-for-15 steals this season. 
LSU’s rotation has been dominant in Tiger Park this season, notching 13 shutouts at home. The Tigers look to continue that trend and move to 31-1 record at home with a win tonight.
You can reach Morgan Prewitt on Twitter @kmprewitt_TDR.