We made a point of saying in this weekend's preview that LSU has little to play for this weekend against Ole Miss. Seeding in the SEC tournament is locked in and a National Seed and the accompanying hosting rights are all but assured. Ole Miss on the other hand comes in needing to separate themselves from the SEC mid pack to get themselves into the hosting discussion and a series win against the #2 team in the country would certainly do that. To bad for the Rebels that LSU loves to play spoiler.
LSU came out firing immediately with 2 runs on 4 hits in the first and never looked back. Ole Miss starter Mike Mayers, a pitcher who has been a thorn in LSU's side over his entire career, got lit up for 5 runs on 7 hits through 6 IP including nearly back to back home runs by Mason Katz and Cristian Ibarra in the 4th and an inside the park home run by Raph Rhymes. Sean McMullen would tack on another bomb to right in the 7th for insurance.
Gifs via GIF Section
More than just the stats, LSU's hitting seemed so much more focused than usual. Ball were aimed perfectly for the holes in the Rebs' D and they got there in a hurry. LSU had 4 doubles on the night to match the home run total and, aside from a baserunning mistake or two, looked the best they have on offense all year.
And that was without potential 1st round draft pick JaCoby Jones. The cause of Jones mysterious "apartment accident" may never be know, but it was damaging enough to sideline him for the weekend. Mainieri is taking no chances with the postseason rapidly approaching and is resting Jones until late next week at the earliest. Katz took over at 2B in his place and was serviceable, but there were a few moments where Jones' abilities were obviously missing. Katz will likely stay there this weekend and be fine, but we need Jones' glove to get back out there.
It seems great performances by Cody Glenn on the mound are starting to become the rule rather than the exception. Coach Mainieri said it best in the post game when comparing his game to Ryan Eades. Eades and Glenn aren't the overpowering strike thrower that Aaron Nola is, but they know how to keep balls in play and put out fires without panicking. Glenn gave up singles to the lead off hitter 3 times last night, but that runner never scored. Glenn would give up 8 hits but just 1 run through 7 IP before being relived by Joey Bourgeois and Will LaMarche.
If LSU keeps hitting like this, even without Jones, they can beat any team in the country. Taking the series tonight behind Kurt McCune and The Johnny Allstaff Relief Team is well within reach.
Score by Innings R H E ------------------------------------------- Ole Miss............ 000 000 100 - 1 11 1 LSU................. 200 201 11X - 7 10 1 ------------------------------------------- |
SEC Scoreboard via D1Baseball.com
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