Senior designated player Kellsi Kloss’ offensive explosion just won’t stop.
After hitting two grand slams in a 16-2 rout of Bethune-Cookman, the Cypress, California native torched the Illinois State pitching staff for two three-run home runs en route to a mercy-rule 10-2 win for the Tigers (10-2) in five innings.
The Redbirds (3-8) struck first in the contest, scoring two unearned runs in the top of the first but were not able score again.
“When you have offense you have hope,” said LSU coach Beth Torina. “There was never a moment when they thought they were out of the ballgame.”
LSU was by no means out, the team’s reply came just two innings later.
With two outs already gone in the third, senior shortstop Bianka Bell and junior infielder Sahvanna Jaquish both singled to get on the basepaths when Kloss came up to bat. The catcher struck a pitch down the leftfield line deep into newly built the Tiger Terrace to give LSU a 5-2 advantage.
But she was just getting started.
Bell and Jaquish both singled again, prior to Kloss stepping into the batter’s box. She then jacked another neon-yellow ball into the terrace, putting the Tigers within one run to secure the mercy rule victory.
“I made [offense] a point this year to not be satisfied with anything in the past that I’ve done,” Kloss said. “I want to make this year my best year, and I want to do it for the rest of my team.”
She credited her performance to coaches and for the preparation and her teammates and their ability to get on base.
Kloss’ performance helped lift the Tigers out of a deficit, after the Redbirds capitalized on defensive errors in the first allowing them to take their early lead. Freshman Taylor Satchell committed her third error in three career games allowing Illinois State second baseman Riley Hale to reach base during a sacrifice bunt attempt.
Freshman Sydney Smith followed the error with a wild pitch, which advanced both runners into scoring position. She immediately bounced back striking out the next Redbird batter, but an error by junior infielder Constance Quinn allowed both runners to score.
Torina said she hopes the defensive issues do not become a trend.
“It’s something we really have to continue working on,” the fifth-year coach said. “We’re spending quite a bit of time on it, and we’re trying to improve there. We just need to get the right personnel in the right spots to make better defensive plays.”
Despite the defensive mistakes Smith remained composed.
The freshman celebrated her 19th birthday with another solid performance in the circle. She pitched a complete five-inning game taking just 96 pitches to give the Redbirds their eighth loss.
The Maple Grove, Minnesota native blew out batters like birthday candles. She struck out five, allowing just three hits, while lowering her earned run average to 0.50.
“I think I have a lot to improve on and we’re going to work on that, but we got the win,” Smith said. “Having an offense like this behind you really helps.”
LSU returns to action Saturday at 2:30 p.m. for a matinee matchup with the Redbirds in the first game of a doubleheader, and will finish the day with a contest against Texas Tech at 5 p.m.