It’s early April and the 7th ranked LSU Tigers look like a team that will play late into June as they rolled past the Sooners on Friday night 10-2.
Anthony Eyanson had the difficult task of trying to follow up Kade Anderson’s 14 strikeout complete game performance on Thursday night.
Eyanson was not as locked in as Anderson, but he was still really good. The junior right-hander from California went 5.2 innings and allowed two unearned runs and struck out eight. Eyanson is now 5-0 with a 3.37 ERA.
Casan Evans entered the game in the sixth inning and Oklahoma didn’t have a chance against the freshman from Texas. Evans allowed just two hits in 3.1 innings and struck out five for his sixth save.
A big key for LSU pitching in this series is that Oklahoma has only had the lead-off man reach base four times in two games.
The Sooners are unable to play their game of stealing bases, bunting and creating havoc on the base paths.
The victory improved LSU’s record to 29-3 and they are 9-2 in SEC play.
It was another good night for the offense as they banged out 15 hits. It’s the 19th time they’ve scored double figures in 32 games.
LSU broke through in the second inning with four runs, all of them came with two outs. Nine-hole hitter Chris Stanfield had a two-run double, and he had another two-run double in a four run ninth inning. That one also came with two outs. Stanfield finished with a career-high four hits and he also had a nice running catch.
For the fourth time in his career, right fielder Josh Pearson hit two home runs in a game. Pearson had a pair of solo shots. He now has five home runs and the senior from West Monroe is hitting .313 as he continues to share playing time with Jake Brown.
Jared Jones had three hits and an RBI.
Daniel Dickinson hit his eighth home run of the season.
LSU will go for the sweep on Saturday afternoon at 2 PM. Chase Shores will start for the Tigers.
Oklahoma will counter with Malachi Witherspoon. He’s the twin brother of Thursday night’s starter Kyson Witherspoon. Just like his brother he throws hard, maybe even harder, but he’s struggled with his command. In 31.1 innings pitched, Kyson Witherspoon walked 16 and hit seven batters. He’s also allowed six home runs.
Kyson Witherspoon is 2-2 with a 5.74 ERA.
It will be cold and windy as temperatures will be in the mid-40s in Norman, Oklahoma.
SEC Standings
Tennessee 9-1
Texas 9-1
Arkansas 8-1
LSU 9-2
Georgia 8-2
Ole Miss 7-4
Scores from Friday.
Tennessee beat Texas A&M 10-0 in 7 innings. Liam Doyle and Dylan Loy combined on a no-hitter.
Texas beat Georiga 5-1.
Arkansas-Missouri postponed. Will play a single game Saturday, DH Sunday.
Ole Miss edged Kentucky 3-1