Alabama senior right-hander Sam Finnerty fired six shutout innings Friday night to lead the Crimson Tide to a 6-1 win over ninth-ranked LSU at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa
The Tigers dropped to 27-16 overall and 11-8 in the SEC, while Alabama improved to 26-17 overall, 5-14 in conference play. LSU right-hander Zack Hess (2-3) was charged with the loss, giving up five runs on eight hits in 4.1 innings with one walk and five strikeouts.
Hess said the groin injury that forced him to miss his last start did not affect him.
The Tigers didn't score until the ninth inning, continuing inconsistent offensive trends.
LSU entered the first game of the series with all its fielders available for the first time since late February. Even Zach Watson, who traveled separate from the team because of an illness, felt well enough to start in center field.
LSU avoided the shutout in the ninth inning on a pinch-hit, run-scoring double by Drew Bianco.
As Alabama celebrated underneath the pounding of fireworks, the Tigers grabbed their bags and shuffled off the field. They hoped to come back on Saturday and even the series. Coach Paul Mainieri planned to address the team's passive approach at the plate. He hoped they would respond.
Game two of the series is today at 2 o'clock. Our coverage starts at 1:30 on our sister station, HOT 92.9fm.