Scoring Melee Helps #25 LSU Salvage Series With Bulldogs, 15-9
May 25, 2016 | Softball
Official Game Statistics
STARKVILLE, Miss. - c
The 3 hour and 13 minute game ranks as the longest in series history between the two clubs and bettered the 2 hour and 56 minute marathon in the series opener by nearly 20 minutes. With the win, LSU (18-13, 2-10 SEC) snapped a school record nine-game losing streak, while the loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Maroon and White (23-16, 5-7).
Both Tanelda McDonald and Katie Johnson drove in a pair of runs in as many hits to pace the MSU offense, with freshman Courtney Bures crossing the plate three times on a 2-for-3 hitting line. The Tigers got a school record five hits from junior Lauren Delahoussaye in as many plate appearances.
After MSU starter Stephanie Comeaux and sophomore Sara Hickerson combined to allow seven runs on seven hits in the first two innings, Kelli Miller (8-5) came on in relief in the third, but had her personal four-game winning streak stopped after allowing seven runs on 10 Purple and Gold base knocks.
Likewise, MSU blistered LSU starter Emily Turner for five earned runs on four hits and a pair of walks in one and one-thirds innings of work, before Garcia came on to post the victory in a relief role.The LaPorte, Texas, native threw 121 pitches and was awarded the win despite allowing six hits and four runs in five and two-thirds innings from the circle.
They came out and score some runs, but I thought we did a good job of coming back and tying it back up, said Mississippi State head coach Jay Miller. We just sort of fell apart at the end of the game. I don't know what to attribute it to, but we didn't compete very well when it mattered most. We didn't compete on the mound and we didn't compete defensively and Kelli just ran out of gas at the end.
Combining with State for five runs and seven hits in the first inning alone, the Tigers took a 3-2 lead into the second and cushioned the advantage out to five with four runs in the inning. Not to be outdone, the Maroon and White plated five of their own in the bottom of the frame to knot the score up at seven apiece heading into the third.
After two scoreless innings of play, LSU got a RBI single from Andrea Smith in the top of the fifth to take an 8-7 lead, then stretched their lead out to five with for more scores in the sixth. State would counter with a two-run single by Jennifer Jessup in the bottom of the frame to cut its deficit to 12-9, but could not get any closer. LSU would utilize two hits and a pair of errors to plate a trio of insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh and provide the final.
Mississippi State will return to action this weekend the Bulldogs conclude a season-long nine-game homestand by hosting SEC Western Division foe Auburn (34-9, 8-3) in a three-game set at the MSU Softball Field. The ?€˜Dogs and Tigers will renew their series for the 30th time in a 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon doubleheader before closing out the set on Sunday with a single game that has also been tabbed with a 1 p.m. first pitch.
We have to get healthy, Miller said. We have three pitchers and two catchers that are hurt and a centerfielder that is out for the season. We're trying to get by on smoke and mirrors right now. We just have to get some kids healthy.
All three games of MSU's series with the Tigers can be heard live on WMSV 91.1 FM with Anthony Craven handling the play-by-play duties. Sunday's series finale is slated to be televised regionally by Fox Sports Net South as part of their SEC-TV package. Admission to all 2005 MSU Softball home games is free.
