Sixth-inning drama caused LSU softball to capture a come-from-behind win against Kentucky on Saturday to become 2-0 in SEC play.
After easily beating the Wildcats on Friday, Kentucky came back with a vengeance on Saturday. The Tigers went without scoring in the first inning, a rarity for this team. After being silenced in the first two frames, they came back with a vengeance after.
Kentucky capitalized on the scoreless first inning by hitting a home run off of freshman Jayden Heavener for the first Wildcat hit of the night.
LSU’s bats got hot in response during the third with a Maci Bergeron home run. The Tigers threatened in each inning after but only scored one insurance run.
The Tigers held on defensively, allowing Heavener to get out of a few jams, but late inning dramatics from the Wildcats tossed her from the game. Junior Sydney Berzon came in to get the save.
In the sixth inning, Kentucky scored two runs to tie the game, but LSU responded. Jaila Lassiter hit a one-out double, and Tori Edwards proved hard work pays off with a go-ahead two-run homer with two outs.
LSU has a history of being known as the Cardiac Kids in both diamond sports, and the 2025 team is no exception. When it comes to big moments late, the Bayou Bengals show up every time. Whether it’s a late inning rally or getting it done to get ahead, they’ve shown up this season.
Stretching the SEC wins to 2-0, this LSU offense does not give up. Even while winning 3-1 in the fourth and fifth inning, it still threatened to score more insurance runs. The Tigers were never complacent at the plate.
Heavener held her own in the circle for 5.2 innings, only giving up four runs on six hits. This freshman has a bright future, and the help from upperclassman Berzon will teach her a lot through the competitiveness of the SEC.
Berzon pitched 1.1 innings of the game, not allowing a hit once she came in. She says she loves this time of the year because of the competition and clearly thrives in the competitive environment.
Defense had a few costly moments for the Tigers, recording two errors on the night, but did its job in big moments. Several times throughout the game, Heavener was forced to field her position as a lefty pitcher. Kentucky was not scared to put bunts down the first base line and make her work for the outs she made.
Avery Hodge was a defensive standout once again, making all three outs in the seventh inning to win the game. Hodge makes web-gem plays look easy, and she has a cannon for an arm to back it up.
The Tigers topped the Wildcats 6-4 after the sixth inning drama caused by Kentucky. LSU will go for the sweep against Kentucky on Sunday March 16 at 1 p.m.
