No. 6 LSU softball beat No. 4 UCLA in a pitchers’ duel to remain undefeated on Thursday.
The exciting matchup between two top-five teams is everything a softball fan could dream of for a midweek game.
The Tigers did what they’ve done all season: make the opposing pitcher sweat and play clean defense to back it up. The Bruins gave LSU a run for their money in a similar fashion.
Hits were sparse to begin the game; both teams combined for four hits through five frames, but the sixth inning was hot for both teams.
The Tigers came alive at the top of the sixth, and UCLA struck back just as hard at the bottom.
Jaila Lassiter started things for LSU with a walk, and Maci Bergeron singled, allowing Lassiter to reach third. Tori Edwards showed her clutch gene, scoring Lassiter on a single in the sixth inning. The Tigers also stole an insurance run on a Sierra Daniel single in the sixth inning.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Bruins returned with one run on a sacrifice flyball to center field.
In the sixth inning alone, both teams came back with the bats. LSU tallied four hits, and UCLA added two.
Junior Sydney Berzon got it done in the circle again on Thursday. She stunned the Bruins offense, pitching the entire game and striking out four to tally her sixth win of the season.
On paper, the Bruins are the most formidable opponent the Tigers have faced yet, and this young team never slacked up. This game was a true test for them as they tried to put everything together.
LSU head coach Beth Torina has mentioned the need to toughen this young Tigers team, and so far, they haven’t shown weakness to any opponent, big or small.
The purple and gold did not hit for power, not hitting a single extra-base hit against UCLA, but they strung together hits and walks and used their speed to get it done.
In the preseason, Torina stressed using their speed and playing the game differently than the teams of the past. She said it is working out well for them so far.
“I think just putting an emphasis on maybe some different areas, like running a hard 60 and taking an extra base,” Torina said. “I think when you’re doing those things, it’s tougher to have an off day. We’re keeping the ball out of the air some more. We’re forcing people to make plays and do some things defensively.”
LSU has played their game, and the scores all season so far have reflected it. Nothing has shaken the Tigers.
Even when the Bruins led off the seventh inning with a double, LSU didn’t bat an eye. Berzon fed the defense balls that were easy to handle, and the defense had her back.
The now 15-0 Tigers edged out UCLA 2-1 through seven innings.
LSU hopes to keep the momentum going throughout the Judi Garman Classic to remain undefeated on the season.
