On Tuesday Night, the 2nd ranked LSU Baseball team returned to the diamond, playing host to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions. Last week, LSU got mercy-ruled by Northwestern State, which meant the Tigers had to bounce back with a stellar showing in this game. After the Tigers' offense struggled the week before the weekday matchup, the LSU Baseball team ensured that issue didn't arise again.
The Tigers offense got started instantly as Derek Curiel continued his recent tear with a leadoff home run.
Jared Jones wasn't going to be outdone by the freshman, instantly following up Derek Curiel's home run with a 444-foot blast to left field.
Jake Brown would reach on an error followed by a Daniel Dickinson double which allowed LSU to make it 4-0 on a Josh Pearson single up the middle. In the second inning, the Tigers were able to take a 5-0 lead on a passed ball.
In the third inning, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions got to William Schmidt as Dane Watts hit a solo home run to right field. In the 4th inning a leadoff double, a passed ball, and an RBI double ended Schmidt's day as the Lions made it 5-2.
The Tigers would put pressure on Southeastern again and when Jake Brown laid down the perfect sacrifice bunt, the Tigers made it 6-2. Daniel Dickinson would make the Lions pay for a throwing error on the bunt as his single to left field brought home another 2 runs. Michael Braswell would truly put this game out of reach with a 2-RBI single as he continues to heat up at the right time of the season.
A passed ball in the 5th inning allowed Derek Curiel to score putting Southeastern on the brink of being mercy ruled. In the 7th inning Jay Johnson would empty his bench and the Tigers loaded the bases for Ethan Frey thanks to a pair of walks. Ethan Frey would send the Tigers fans home happy with a walk-off grand slam to left field.
The Tigers' offense jumped all over Southeastern, scoring 15 runs on 11 hits while drawing 9 walks. Derek Curiel's hot streak continued with a 2-2 night with 2 walks and an RBI on his solo home run. Ethan Frey's walk-off home run brought his average to .343, which is absurd as he'd be an everyday player at nearly every program in the Country, but LSU's outfield is loaded.
As Jay Johnson looks for some of the younger relievers to step up, he got three solid relief appearances in this game. DJ Primeaux, Jaden Noot, and Conner Ware pitched a combined 3.2 innings allowing just a pair of hits while striking out 7.
The Tigers 9-game homestand drew to a close with this game as LSU heads to College Station to take on the Texas A&M Aggies.