LSU Baseball survives late game scare against Missouri to win first SEC Series

ByNicholas Rome|
Jun 2, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA;  Louisiana State Tigers infielder Michael Braswell III (10) reacts to getting a base hit against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Div. I NCAA baseball regional at Boshamer Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images
Jun 2, 2024; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Louisiana State Tigers infielder Michael Braswell III (10) reacts to getting a base hit against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the Div. I NCAA baseball regional at Boshamer Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Camarati-Imagn Images

While early season College Baseball is fun, nothing is more exciting than high level baseball in the SEC. On Saturday Night, the LSU Tigers were looking to secure their first series win of conference play but, Missouri refused to make it easy. If you were in Alex Box Stadium, you went through the full range of emotions but, it was awesome to see the Tigers battle to pick up the win.

LSU got the scoring started early as the red hot Josh Pearson blasted one to right field to give LSU a 2-0 lead in the first inning.

The Tigers would then tack on a third run in the second inning as Michael Braswell perfectly executed the suicide squeeze.

Missouri started to get to Anthony Eyanson in the third inning scoring their first first run on a sacrifice fly in the 3rd. In the fourth inning, Missouri ended Anthony Eyanson's day early by scoring three runs, on a three run blast by Keegan Knutson.

The good news for Jay Johnson was that his offense got the three runs back instantly in the bottom half of the fourth. Michael Braswell would drive home his second run of the day on another bunt this time reaching safely. After Derek Curiel got hit by a pitch Jared Jones came through in a massive way driving in a pair.

In the 5th inning, LSU was the benefactor of a Missouri error as it allowed Michael Braswell to drive home Steven Milam.

The 7th inning is where things got shaky for LSU as William Schmidt gave up a leadoff homerun followed by two walks which led Jay Johnson to DJ Primeaux. Primeaux would hit his first batter but, the Tigers got a massive double play which only allowed one more to score when Casan Evans came in and got LSU out of the inning.

In the 8th inning, Casan Evans got himself in trouble with walks loading the bases with just one out before working his magic to strike out a pair ending the inning. After the messy 8th inning, Casan Evans quickly reminded everyone of his dominance striking out a pair before fielding his position to secure the win for LSU.

The Tigers pitching staff had a rocky day and the weekend rotation is far from set after this showing. Anthony Eyanson had struggles again in this game pitching 3.2 innings allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and a walk while striking out just 5. Conner Ware was excellent in relief for Johnson earning the win as he went 1.1 innings without allowing anyone to reach. William Schmidt and DJ Primeaux struggled with command which led Johnson to Evans. Casan Evans had a few rough moments but, reminded everyone why he's currently the closer.

Michael Braswell was the MVP for LSU in this game driving in three runs with two incredible bunts and a two out single. Chris Stanfield had a solid day in the nine hole with a 2-4 day but, no one else had two or more hits which kept LSU from putting this game away.

The Tigers now move to 1-0 in SEC Weekend series and will look to cap off the sweep on Sunday Afternoon.

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