If tonight felt strangely familiar, you are not alone: game two of LSU and Tennessee’s series followed practically the same script. However, this time, LSU did not homer their way to another unlikely win.
The Vols (20-11, 4-7) maintained onto their 4-1 lead this time, tying the series with LSU (21-11, 5-6). Tennessee reliever Cam Appenzeller smothered the LSU attack by dismissing the final 15 batters he faced. Appenzeller tossed the final five innings, allowing only one hit and striking out six.
William Schmidt started his second consecutive Saturday in place of the hurt Cooper Moore and pitched effectively. In 5. 2 innings, he gave up two runs, struck out seven, and walked three.
Zach Yorke did Schmidt no help in the first inning, allowing Tennessee to score two runs after Bill Buckner-ing a ground ball.
Right through the ol’ five-hole!
LSU reacted quickly after Yorke’s mistake, scoring their lone run of the night on a Chris Stanfield infield hit up the middle. The Tigers had the opportunity to inflict even more damage, but Yorke hit an infield fly and Steven Milam flew out to right field with the bases loaded and two outs.
LSU’s final and greatest opportunity came in the fifth inning. Cade Arrambide opened the inning with a walk that knocked Vol starter Teagan Kuhns out of the game, and Milam singled off Appenzeller, but that turned out to be the final baserunner the Tigers would have for the night. After that, Jake Brown grounded out to second on the first pitch he faced, Omar Serna fowled out on the second pitch he faced, and Derek Curiel struck out looking. From then on, you and I might as well have swung for LSU, since we couldn’t have done any worse.
LSU went on the road, gave up just three hits, and lost the game. As we’ve seen so many times this year, this LSU club does not complement itself well: if they pitch well, they can’t hit; if they hit, the pitching falls apart; and, of course, the infield is poor defensively, with the exception of Milam.
Tomorrow’s rubber match feels really significant. There are still six weekends left this season, but you will feel much better about these final six weekends at 6-6 in SEC play rather than 5-7. To do so, LSU is anticipated to turn to Gavin Guidry tomorrow, with the first pitch set for noon. Sunday’s game will be streamed live on SEC Network+.
