For six innings, it looked like LSU would ride their recent hot streak to a game one win over Florida State in the Baton Rouge Super Regional Series.
But Reese Albert smashed a long three-run homer in the 7th inning to tie the game and the Seminoles went on to beat the Tigers 6-4. Albert also cranked out a solo home run in the 9th inning for his 9th home run of the season.
LSU outhit the Seminoles 8-to-6, but Tiger pitchers gave up ten walks.
Cole Henry started, but last just two innings. His velocity was down a tick and walked three hitters in the 2nd inning. Coach Paul Mainieri confirmed after the game they took Henry out of the game because of arm soreness.
Todd Peterson was LSU’s first relief pitcher and the big right-hander did well. Peterson pitched 4.1 innings and gave up two runs.
Trent Vietmeier came on in the 7th inning, with one out and one on. Vietmeier walked the first hitter he faced and then gave up the long home run to Albert, who fouled off numerous pitches before blasting the home run. He hit the dinger on the 11th pitch of the at bat.
Florida State took the lead in the 8th inning. LSU’s Devin Fontenot gave up a hit and walked one. He gave way to Zack Hess, who also walked a hitter. A sacrifice fly hit by the number nine hitter Tim Becker drove in the go-ahead run.
LSU scored single runs in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th innings. LSU could have had a big inning in the 4th inning. Saul Garza reached out an error to lead off the inning. Next batter, Cade Beloso hit a ball sharply down the right field line, but Garza failed to step on second base on his way to third base. Garza was ruled out. LSU still scored a run in that inning, but it could have been more.
Shortstop Josh Smith led the Tigers at the plate, with two hits and two runs scored. Antoine Duplantis, Daniel Cabrera, Brandt Broussard and Chris Reid each drove in runs. Reid also had two hits, including a single to lead off the 9th inning. But he was stranded at second base.
LSU needs to win Sunday to keep its season alive. They will give the ball to Landon Marceaux, who will need to pitch deep into the game as the Tigers used six pitchers in game one. FSU will counter with its ace, CJ Van Eyk, who is 10-3 with a 3.71 ERA. First pitch is at 5 PM.