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The Tiger softball team picked up its best series win of the season, topping No. 7 Texas in the best of three series, two games to one. It was an impressive effort that saw the Tigers get strong efforts on both at the plate and in the circle.
Comeback falls short in 8-5 loss
After falling behind 4-1, the Tiger offense surged in the sixth inning with back-to-back home runs from Taylor Tidwell and Ali Newland, part of a four-run inning that tied the game at five. The Tigers were unable to score more and with bad weather arriving, the game was scheduled to be concluded the next day. The next day, in the top of the seventh the Longhorns pushed the deciding three runs through. In addition to Tidwell and Newland, Aliyah Andrews had her typical strong outing, scoring twice. Taylor Pleasants had two hits and an RBI. Pitching was not a strength for the Tigers in this game. Maribeth Gorsuch got the start and allowed five runs in five innings. Shelby Wickersham allowed two in one inning of relief and Ali Kilponen one run in her inning.
Andrews sparks Tigers to win
It is becoming difficult to say more awesome things about Aliyah Andrews. Heck, she’s hitting for power now and at this pace will solidify her position as one of the best players to wear purple and gold. Down 1-0 in the sixth inning, Andrews drove home Danieca Coffey to tie the game. In the eighth, her single down the left field line was misplayed allowing Akiya Thymes to score the winning run as the Tigers walked it off with a 2-1 win. In a bounce back for the pitching staff, Shelbi Sunseri tossed a full game striking out seven while allowing just four hits.
Bats explode as Tigers take series
It was all Tigers in the 7-2 victory in Game 3, with the Tigers scoring five runs in the first two innings. The scoring began with Sunseri launching a two-run bomb in the first. Andrews picked up another RBI with a single that scored Taylor Tidwell in the second inning. One batter later, Tidwell drove in two with a double. In the fourth, Andrews hit her second home run of the year, though the first one that cleared the wall. LSU’s scoring concluded with a Cait Calland home run in the sixth. Kilponen was strong, tossing seven innings, striking out six and allowing just one earned run.
The series win gives the Tigers much needed momentum with conference play set to begin with a three-game set against the Vols in Knoxville.