After giving up eight runs in a season opening win over VMI, LSU’s pitching staff took advantage of tough conditions to hit to shutout Central Arkansas 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Five pitchers contributed to the shutout. Luke Holman made his first start in an LSU uniform and struck out 10 in 5.1 innings. The Bears could not keep up with his fastball in the zone.
Griffin Herring relieved Holman in the 6th inning, he walked three, but pitched a scoreless inning.
Herring got bailed out by center fielder Paxton Kling who made an unbelievable diving catch in left center field. His backhanded grab saved a run and kept it a 1-0 game.
LSU’s third pitcher of the afternoon was a huge star in this game. Little known Fidel Ulloa, a transfer from San Joaquin Delta College, entered the game in the 7th inning with the tying run at second base. Ulloa struck out the next two hitters to end the inning. Ulloa pitched 1.1 innings and struck out three.
Left-hander DJ Primeaux finished the 8th inning by striking out the only hitter he faced.
Sam Dutton, who had a 7.97 ERA last season, pitched a perfect 9th inning, including two strikeouts.
With the wind blowing in, it was tough to hit on this chilly day. The Tigers were able to get a couple of runs on the board. Freshman Steven Milam, making his first start at second base had an RBI single in the 4th inning.
Jared Jones provided a big insurance run with a solo home run in the 8th inning. His second home run in as many days as his ball on Saturday drifted over the right field wall.
Pitching depth was a major theme heading into the season and it was on display on Saturday.