Paytn Monticelli pitched her first complete game shutout as a member of the LSU Tigers, helping No. 20/19 LSU defeat Auburn 3-0 in the opening game of their series at Tiger Park on April 30.
The result brings LSU’s record to 35-16 overall and an even 11-11 in Southeastern Conference play. Auburn now stands at a .500 record with a season mark of 25-25 and is 4-18 in conference games.
Monticelli improved her season record to 8-3 with this performance, marking her fifth consecutive win. She struck out nine batters, allowed four hits and two walks, and had three innings where she faced the minimum number of hitters. In both the first and seventh innings, Monticelli benefited from strong defensive plays by her teammates. “She [Monticelli] did a great job,” said Head Coach Beth Torina. “It was a good matchup for her, and it was one of her best performances as a Tiger. She threw a lot of rise balls and was good there. She was able to change speeds, she located well, and she got some great defense.”
Jalia Lassiter extended her hitting streak to ten games by going two-for-four at the plate with one run batted in (RBI). Lassiter also made what was described as the defensive play of the game when she prevented a potential two-run home run during the sixth inning.
Kylee Edwards recorded her fifteenth multi-hit game this season with two hits out of three at-bats. Sierra Daniel and Alix Franklin each contributed one hit for LSU; Franklin also drove in an RBI.
Auburn pitcher Ella Harrison took the loss after giving up five hits, three runs (two earned), two walks, and striking out three over three innings pitched.
All three runs for LSU came during the second inning following an error that allowed Char Lorenz to score first after reaching base on being hit by pitch earlier in the frame. Additional runs were scored by Lassiter’s single and Franklin’s fielder’s choice.
The teams are scheduled to continue their series with another game set for Friday evening.
