How it happened: LSU Coach Jay Johnson said starting right-handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson had his best start of the year as he struck out 12 over six innings and allowed one run in a 4-3 win over Alabama to clinch the series.
Eyanson threw a season-high 115 pitches and had to navigate around five walks. He threw 36 pitches in the first inning and got stronger as the game went along.
Zac Cowan allowed two runs in three innings for his sixth save of the season. It’s the first time Cowan allowed more than one earned run in an outing this year.
Magic Moment: In the fourth inning, LSU led 2-1. But Alabama loaded the bases and the Crimson Tide’s top hitter was at the plate. Justin Lebron entered the series leading the SEC in RBIs with 58. But Eyanson got out of the jam by striking out Lebron on one of his nasty sliders on a 3-2 pitch. Lebron is now 1-for-9 in the series and he struck out three times on Friday.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Derek Curiel hit a sharp single into center field to drive in two runs and the Tigers took a 4-1 lead and Alabama was unable to come back.
9-1-2: The 9-1-2 hitters in LSU’s line-up were responsible for LSU’s offense. Chris Stanfield is now hitting .350 on the season after going 4-for-4 with two runs scored. He’s the best number nine hitter in college baseball. Also made a nice running catch in center field.
Lead-off man Derek Curiel was 2-for-5 with 2 RBIs. Number two hitter Daniel Dickinson had three hits, scored a run and drove in a run.
Up Next: LSU goes after its fourth sweep of the season at 5 PM on Saturday. Chase Shores will start for LSU. Zane Adams will start for Alabama. Adams has been Bama’s Friday night starter, but he’s struggled his last two times out.
Standings
Texas 15-2
Tennessee 12-4
Arkansas 13-5
LSU 12-5
Georgia 10-7
Vandy 10-7