The LSU Baseball team kicked off its postseason run on Friday night as the Tigers faced off against the Texas A&M Aggies. The Aggies were on the NCAA Tournament bubble and desperatley needed a win in this game which was going to make it a tough task for the Tigers. When Kade Anderson took the mound for LSU fans, they never would've expected to see Anthony Eyanson but, that turned out to be the case.
The LSU Baseball team couldn't have asked for a better start than the one the Tigers had on Friday night. Kade Anderson took the mound for the Tigers and made quick work of the Aggies striking out the side. Derek Curiel then doubled followed by a Jared Jones walk which allowed the Tigers to take a 1-0 lead on an Ethan Frey double which was more like an error. Luis Hernandez would then give the Tigers a 2-0 lead on a ground out to the shortstop.
Tigers Strike First@ethanfrey_16 | SECN pic.twitter.com/QjVCcW0Nch
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) May 24, 2025
In the bottom of the 3rd inning LSU would double its lead as Ethan Frey struck again hitting a 2-run blast to Left Center.
It's Frey's Day In Hoover@ethanfrey_16 | SECN pic.twitter.com/KK6AfFHepo
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) May 24, 2025
Given the Tigers 4 run lead and the way that Kade Anderson was pitching it looked like LSU may cruise to victory. Instead, the Aggies quickly rallied back scoring a pair of runs off of Kade Anderson making this a much closer game than LSU fans would've liked.
After building a quick 4-0 lead, the LSU offense went quiet as the Tigers wouldn't score the rest of the night. Kade Anderson would allow another run to score in the top of the 6th inning which truly had LSU fans on the edge of their seats as the Tigers held onto a 1 run lead.
Jay Johnson then made one of his gutsiest decisions of the season calling on Anthony Eyanson to make his first relief appearance of the season. When the Aggies hit a leadoff triple as Chris Stanfield couldn't make a diving catch, it seemed like it may have been the wrong decision. Eyanson then worked out of trouble which was helped by a dramatic interference call.
ANT GETS HIM SWINGING 😤@AnthonyEyanson | SECN pic.twitter.com/WJUrWNplz6
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) May 24, 2025
The ninth inning was truly the biggest test for Anthony Eyanson as Jace LaViolette led off the inning. Eyanson quickly outdueled LaViolette and followed it up with another strikeout but, he allowed a 2 out walk. The walk set up a duel with Ben Royo who terrorized LSU during the regular season series and once again, Royo singled putting the tying run on 3rd base. The pressure didn't get to Eyanson and he quickly got a ground out to send LSU to the Semifinal
Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson have been crucial for the Tigers all season and it was on full display on Friday Night. Anderson gave the Tigers 6 innings allowing just 3 runs on 4 hits and a walk while striking out a dozen. Eyanson's performance was incredible giving the Tigers 3 scoreless innings of relief allowing just 2 hits.
The concern for LSU fans would be that the Tigers offense once again looked out of sync when the team truly could've used some breathing room in this game. The struggles on offense led Jay Johnson to burning Anthony Eyanson which means if LSU is going to win the SEC Tournament, the pitching staff will need several players to step up.
The Tigers will face off against Ole Miss on Saturday Afternoon if the weather is able to hold up.