Sunday did not start well for LSU. But after giving up five runs in the first inning to a pesky Wofford team, the Tigers dominated the day, eliminating the Terriers in the first game 13-6 and then beating North Carolina 8-4 on Sunday night to force a winner take all Regional Championship game on Monday.
LSU got two great pitching performances, one was expected and the other, Tiger fans have been waiting for all season.
Coach Jay Johnson had to go to his best arm out of the bullpen, Griffin Herring in the first inning against Wofford, and he delivered as he’s done all season.
Herring entered the game after Wofford scored two runs off starter Nate Ackenhausen. The Terriers would add three more runs before Herring could get out of the inning.
After that Herring pitched six splendid innings, giving up just one more run for his sixth win of the year. Herring’s ERA is 1.75 after another fantastic outing.
The real story of the day was Thatcher Hurd. The Tigers opening day starter hasn’t come close to living up to the expectations established based on his performance in last year’s NCAA Tournament.
But when LSU needed Hurd the most, he came through, as had his best outing of the season.
The right-hander threw 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on six hits, zero walks and striking out six.
Hurd has had trouble staying away from the big inning. He was teetering in the 4th inning, as UNC scored its first run of the game. But Hurd recorded the final out with a strikeout with two runners on base.
The bullpen did an outstanding job too. Fidel Ulloa, Kade Anderson, and Gavin Guidry all had big strikeouts as the Tigers struck out 13 UNC hitters. Guidry earned his fourth save with a big strikeout with two runners on in the 8th inning and got the final two outs of the game with the bases loaded.
LSU’s bats were relatively quiet during the first two days of the Chapel Hill Regional, but they woke up Sunday.
The Tigers banged out 21 hits in the win over Wofford. Michael Brasell was moved back to the middle of the order and had a team-high four hits.
Josh Pearson came through with another great postseason game.
After Wofford scored five runs in the first inning, he led off the second inning with a double to start a two-run rally. In the 5th inning, Pearson hit a two-run homer to get LSU within one run.
Brady Neal delivered an RBI single later in the inning to tie the game and Neal drove in three runs after coming in as a pinch hitter for Travinski.
Pearson homered again against North Carolina as his two-run shot gave LSU a 2-0 lead in the first inning.
Hayden Travinski also homered against the Tar Heels after going 0-for-9 to the start the regional. Travinski finished the night 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.
Steven Milam had another big game as he went 3-for-5 with 1 RBI.
Who will pitch for LSU in the Regional Championship Game?
Luke Holman, Gage Jump, Hurd and Herring are unavailable. Christian Little is also not available due to a lat injury suffered in the SEC Championship game.
Coach Jay Johnson could go with Nate Ackenhausen again as his starter Monday. He only threw 27 pitches Sunday and did not give up hard contact, it was just baseballs that found holes.
Sam Dutton and Javen Coleman are other candidates to start.
Will Hellmers, Guidry, Ulloa, Anderson and Aiden Moffett are contenders to come out of the bullpen.
North Carolina’s top two starters Shea Sprague and Jason Decaro are not available.
Two of their better relievers will be available, Dalton Pence and Matthew Mathijis.
If LSU can win, they will host the Super Regional as the top seeds in the Tucson Regional, Arizona and Dallas Baptist were eliminated.
North Carolina has lost only three times at its home ball park, but LSU owns one of those defeats.