LSU defeated South Carolina in both games of a doubleheader on May 2, improving its record to 27-21 overall and 8-15 in the Southeastern Conference. The games were played at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
The results are important for LSU as they continue their conference schedule and aim to improve their standing. The Tigers limited South Carolina to just one run in each game’s early innings, showing strong pitching performances from freshmen and sophomores.
In the first game, sophomore right-hander William Schmidt pitched six innings, allowing only one run on five hits. He was supported by right-hander Grant Fontenot, who recorded his third save by pitching three scoreless innings. “William did a great job today in controlling the count,” said LSU coach Jay Johnson. “When he got behind, he was able to come back, get some swings, and get some weak contact.”
The second game saw freshman Marcos Paz earn his first collegiate victory after limiting South Carolina to one run over five innings with eight strikeouts. Deven Sheerin closed out the game with four innings of relief for his fourth save of the season. “Marcos was outstanding today and gave us a tremendous start,” Johnson said. “That’s what is going to happen here for the next three years with him…he gave us exactly what we needed today.” Johnson also praised his team: “These were the best games our team has played this season,” he said. “I’m really proud of our players for playing a really clean brand of baseball with solid fundamentals.”
Offensively, LSU collected 13 hits in Game 2 including home runs from Mason Braun and Cade Arrambide; Arrambide also singled twice and scored three runs while Omar Serna Jr. went three-for-four at bat.
South Carolina’s pitchers Brandon Stone and Amp Phillips took losses in their respective starts during Saturday’s games.
The teams are scheduled to conclude their series Sunday afternoon.
