The No. 3 LSU softball team started the 2016 Tiger Classic with a victory in the first game of a Friday doubleheader, run-ruling Ohio State, 9-0, in five innings.
The Tigers (1-0) started fast at the plate, scoring five runs in the first inning. Ohio State’s starting sophomore pitcher Shelby McCombs struggled finding the strike zone and allowed five runs and three walks in 0.2 innings pitched.
McCombs was pulled for junior Lena Springer, but Springer didn’t fare much better for the Buckeyes (0-1), giving up five hits and four runs.
LSU junior third baseman Sahvanna Jaquish was a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs.
Sophomore pitcher Carley Hoover got the nod in the Tigers’ season opener. The Clemson, South Carolina native began her sophomore campaign in style with a two-hit shutout while notching five strikeouts in five innings pitched.
As the Tigers search for a third outfielder to complement All-American junior Bailey Landry and sophomore Emily Griggs, coach Beth Torina started freshman Amber Serrett in left field, put Landry in her usual position at right field while Griggs took over former All-SEC A.J. Andrews’ center field duties.
LSU will play its second game of a doubleheader against University of North Florida at 7:45 p.m. tonight.