Softball Recap: Moving Up

LSU softball got back on track in SEC competition with a series victory over the Aggies, moving the Tigers record in conference play to 9-8.

The Tigers turned to Carley Hoover to open the series, and the senior came through pitching a complete game shutout, striking out four in the 2-0 victory. Offensively, the Tigers made a mark early, with Amanda Doyle singling in Taylor Antoine, who originally reached on a single in the first. LSU’s second run came when a Shemiah Sanchez sac fly in the fifth scored Emily Griggs who had gotten base two batters earlier.

Game two’s anchor was Allie Walljasper, who pitched into the seventh striking out five, scattering six hits in the process. She ran into some trouble in the sixth, allowing three straight singles. Hoover would take over for Walljasper with two on and now outs. Although the first batter she faced reached on an error, which also scored a run, Hoover would get the double play and a line out to third, ending the Aggie threat, securing the 3-2 win.

LSU’s offense in game two began with a Doyle double, scoring Griggs. In the fourth, Sydney Springfield would pinch hit for Antoine and then single in Claire Weinberger. An inning later, Amber Serrett would double in Doyle. Defense was a problem on Saturday, with the Tigers committing four errors in the contest.

The finale of the series is certainly one for the Tigers to forget. Maribeth Gorsuch got the start, though both Hoover and Walljasper also pitched, and none of the three were particularly effective. Meanwhile the Tiger offense was shutout and held to just three hits in the 6-0 loss.

Ultimately, the Tigers should be happy with the way this series turned out. It was very much a coin flip series heading into this weekend. If there is a concern from this weekend it was the defense. Four error games are usually a rarity, though given LSU’s inability to score, it is just as important the Tiger defense not be the main culprit when the pitching staff struggles. The revamped top of the lineup featuring Aliyah Andrews, Antoine, and Griggs hitting 1-2-3 continues to look solid, as the trio collectively had a generally productive weekend. It was also nice to see Springfield get a hit and an RBI. It still could be a while before she sees regular time at the DP, though it’s a start.

The conclusion of this series leaves just two more SEC series remaining for the Tigers, with the next being in Gainesville against Florida. LSU will play its final non-conference game of the year Tuesday against South Alabama.