The Tiger offense defeated host Tennessee 6-2 in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals thanks to a come from behind offensive effort and outstanding pitching from Allie Walljasper.
For a Tiger offense that seemed dormant entering the tournament, LSU has combined for 11 runs in its last two games.
After trailing early, the Tigers tied the game with a two run fourth inning thanks to a Shemiah Sanchez sac fly and a Sydney Springfield double. Then in the fifth, LSU erupted for four runs, with RBI’s from Sahvanna Jaquish and Bailey Landry and then two defensive miscues which scored Landry and Sanchez, respectively.
The senior Landry had an impressive evening, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. Sanchez also had a productive day at the plate reaching base twice and scoring once. Springfield finished the game 1-of-3 with an RBI and a double.
One takeaway from this game was how LSU capitalized on Volunteer mistakes. Landry scored on a wild pitch and Sanchez scored on a fielding error. If the opposition is going to gift LSU with two runs, that is something the Tigers will have to continue to capitalize on
In the circle, Allie Walljasper controlled a tough UT lineup. After a shaky performance on Wednesday, the junior logged a complete game holding Tennessee to just one earned run, striking out three on five hits.
LSU certainly has helped itself so far in the tournament with two solid wins. Thursday was upset central in the tournament as both Florida and Texas a&M were eliminated by higher seeds. Without getting too far ahead, a path seems to be emerging for LSU. Unfortunately, that path is going to go through Auburn, who has eliminated LSU from the SEC tournament each of the last two seasons and won the season series. First pitch set for 5:30 p.m.