LSU battled Mississippi State for nearly five hours, enduring injuries and rain, but in the end, the Tigers lost 10-8 in 11 innings as the Bulldogs snapped their six-game SEC home losing streak.
LSU’s SEC losing streak grows to seven as the Tigers could not preserve a four-run lead.
One pitch away: LSU was one pitch away from getting a huge win on the road after taking the lead in the top of the 9th inning on a clutch two-out RBI single by William Patrick.
But in the bottom of the 9th inning, Santiago Garcia walked the lead-off man after pitching well in the 7th and 8th innings. After the lead-off walk, it looked like Garcia induced a double play ball, but LSU didn’t get the force out at second base, because shortstop Steven Milam’s foot came off the bag before he caught the ball.
Still, LSU came within one pitch away from winning the game, but MSU shortstop Ryder Woodson drove in the tying run with a single through the left side of the infield with two strikes on him.
State won it in the 11th inning with a two-run homer by Kevin Milewski off of Zac Cowan.
LSU left it all on the field: LSU used an astonishing 22 players as Jay Johnson managed his butt off to try and win this game.
Several of the moves were needed because of injury. Scheduled starting pitcher Casan Evans did not start because of arm discomfort.
And during the marathon of a game, John Pearson and Chris Stanfield left the game because of injuries
LSU used all of its best arms out of the pen, including Deven Sheerin, Zac Cowan, Santiago Garcia, Gavin Guidry, and Grant Fontenot. But still couldn’t get the victory.
Four freshmen started: The youth movement is officially on for LSU as they started four freshmen.
Omar Serna homered for the fourth time, had three hits, and drove in two runs.
Mason Braun had two hits.
William Patrick had two hits and a huge RBI single in the 9th inning.
Jack Ruckert had a hit and looked more comfortable in the field.
Freshmen had eight of LSU’s 13 hits on the day.
What it means: When it’s not your season, it’s not your season. Not getting an easy force at second base, coming within one strike of winning, losing your starting pitcher to an injury, and losing two position players to injury.
It all adds up to this not being LSU’s season.
Game two is Saturday night at 6:30.