POSTGAME: Watson, Feduccia blast Hawaii, 5-1

After a disappointing loss on Friday to open the series against Hawaii, LSU redeemed itself with a 5-1 victory over the Rainbow Warriors.

In the first inning, Zach Watson kicked things off quickly for the Tigers with a solo shot to right field for a home run. It was his first home run since June 19, when LSU faced Oregon State in the 2017 College World Series.

Since his return this season from an oblique injury, Watson is hitting 7-for-19 (.368) with 4 runs and 2 RBI.

Austin Bain also saw his seventh double of the season, but was left stranded at second. At the end of the inning, LSU had a 1-0 lead.

The scoring continued for the Tigers into the second inning, with freshman shortstop Hal Hughes going for a triple and scoring Daniel Cabrera from first base. LSU led 2-0 at the end of the inning.

In the third inning, Bain singled through the right side, scoring Brandt Broussard. Hunter Feduccia kept the chains moving with the biggest play of the night, homering to right field and scoring Bain as well.

This made for Feduccia’s second home run of the year, tying him for the LSU team-high of 11 RBI. The Tigers had extended their lead 5-0 by the end of the third.

On the pitching side, starting pitcher Caleb Gilbert did 5 innings of work, allowing four hits and walking three batters. He threw 65 pitches before sophomore RHP Matthew Beck was brought in as his relief. Beck avoided a near-disaster in the seventh, as Hawaii loaded the bases. But Beck saved himself, making Hawaii hitter Dustin Demeter to ground out to first base.

Sophomore right-hander Todd Peterson replaced Beck in the eighth inning, facing four Rainbow Warrior batters. He continued to struggle, allowing two doubles and a run before being replaced by LHP Taylor Petersen.

LSU will take on Hawaii for the last game of the series in The Box at 2 p.m. CT on Sunday.