How it happened: For the first time in LSU baseball history, the Tigers were run ruled by a non-conference opponent at Alex Box Stadium, falling to the Northwestern State Demons 13-3. It was an ugly game for LSU who committed three errors, walked four hitters, hit four batters and the only offense was three solo home runs.
LSU’s struggles on offense continued as the Tigers were just 1-of-12 with runners on base.
"Not a good game across the board," LSU coach Jay Johnson said. "Pitching, defense, offense, coaching. Across the board."
Turning point: The start of the game was delayed 30 minutes because of lighting and then in the top of the third inning, lightning struck again and halted the game for about 90 minutes.
Northwestern State was ready to play when the game resumed, while LSU was not. The Demons scored six runs in that inning, highlighted by a three-run home run by the clean-up hitter Braden Benton.
The Demons would outscore LSU 10-1 the rest of the way.
Throw that line-up card in the trash: To generate more offense, Coach Jay Johnson had Ethan Frey, Jake Brown, and Josh Pearson all in the starting line-up. But it didn’t generate any additional offense, and it led to poor play in the field.
To get all three guys in the starting lineup, Johnson had to move Jared Jones to third base. The slugging first baseman committed two errors at the hot corner and Brown didn’t look good at first base.
Johnson admitted after the game, it was a bad line-up and will only use it again if they are chasing runs.
My two cents: I just think Coach Johnson is making this more difficult than it should be. Jake Brown should be your everyday right fielder and play every inning in right field. He’s a five-tool player and hit another home run Tuesday night.
Johnson can then platoon Ethan Frey and Josh Pearson at designated hitter.
LSU’s offense was rolling for the first 30 games of the season, but there’s been way too much tinkering lately, including allowing Frey to start against right-handers.
Ashton Larson: Ashton Larson pulled a muscle in his leg rounding first, heading to second on a double in the fifth inning. It looked like an injury that could keep him out at least a couple of weeks. Tough break for a kid, who was starting to get chances again.
Up next: LSU needs to flush this game, because sixth ranked and defending champion Tennessee rolls into Baton Rouge for a Friday-Sunday series at Alex Box Stadium.
Johnson said he didn’t say anything to the team following the blowout loss. He said they’ll take Wednesday off and looks forward to this team bouncing back.