Most of the blame for the LSU baseball team’s recent struggles could have been attributed to poor hitting.
LSU averaged 3.2 runs per game in its past nine Southeastern Conference contests, eight of them losses.
But the Tigers (25-17) turned on the heat from the plate Tuesday night, scoring 12 runs off 16 hits to defeat Nicholls State, 12-3, at Alex Box Stadium.
The offense hit on all cylinders against the Colonels (20-21) as every LSU starter recorded a hit.
A five-run first inning put LSU in the driver’s seat against the in-state foe. Junior center fielder Mikie Mahtook recorded an RBI single and junior third baseman Tyler Hanover doubled with two outs to bring in two runs.
“A lot of good things happened today,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “A lot of guys that have been struggling with the bat came out with fire in their eyes and swung good.”
Sophomore first baseman Alex Edward followed up Hanover’s hit by slamming a two-run homer to left field.
“I was just trying to square the ball up and get the runner from second with two outs, but the wind was blowing a little bit and it carried out,” Edward said.
The 16 hits was the most for the Tigers since they hosted Holy Cross on Feb. 27.
“That kind of set the tone of the day,” Mahtook said. “Anytime you start off early and score a lot of runs, it’s huge.”
LSU freshman pitcher Ryan Eades went 5 2/3 innings in the longest start of his career.
“Coach wanted me to build up some endurance,” Eades said. “I really didn’t get too tired.”
Eades allowed seven hits but only two earned wins in his second win of the season.
“I was really happy with Ryan,” Mainieri said. “He got stronger as the game went on. He got more comfortable out there.”
Junior outfielder Trey Watkins continued his resurgence since returning to the lineup as a designated hitter, going 3-for-5 including an RBI single up the middle in the seventh inning.
“I told him if he keeps getting on base he’s going to score a lot of runs for us,” Mahtook said. “He looks like a totally different player right now. When Trey goes, our team goes.”
Watkins said the change in his hitting technique has helped him come on strong late in the season.
“I stopped the movement in my hands,” Watkins said. “It keeps my hands still. There’s less movement, so I’m more focused on the ball.”
Watkins has at least one hit in the past six games.
“I believe Trey Watkins is emerging and is going to become a real vital force and a leader of our team down the stretch,” Mainieri said.
Mainieri, who claimed his 200th career win with LSU on Tuesday night, said the veteran leaders who stepped up against Nicholls will need to produce for his team to have a shot at making the SEC tournament in Hoover, Ala.
“We’re going down the stretch, and we’re counting on some young players, but there’s no way we’re going to accomplish anything if our veteran players don’t raise their game,” Mainieri said.
LSU faces Kentucky on Thursday for the first game in a three-game series.
Follow Michael Lambert on Twitter @TDR_Lambert.
 
 
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