LSU hit two homeruns, while picking up an RBI double to defeat South Carolina 5-1 on Thursday in SEC baseball action. The loss snapped USC’s three-game winning streak, while the victory was the Tigers’ fourth in their last five outings.
LSU began the scoring in the bottom of the first as left fielder Gavin Dugas connected on a two-run homerun off of USC starter Thomas Farr to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Those would be the only runs that Farr would allow in five innings of work. The redshirt junior gave up four hits, while striking out three and walking three as his record fell to 2-3 on the season.
USC (22-10/8-5) had a golden opportunity to tie the game in the sixth as Brady Allen led off the inning with a single. With one out, Josiah Sightler was hit by a pitch, moving Allen to second base. Each runner advanced ninety feet on a wild pitch, putting the potential tying runs in scoring position. However, LSU starter Landon Marceaux (4-3) struck out Wes Clarke before coaxing a ground ball out from Andrew Eyster to end the frame.
South Carolina also threatened in the top of the seventh inning as first baseman David Mendham led off with a triple. With one away, Mendham tried to score on a ground ball to short, but he was cut down at home plate as the Tigers maintained a 2-0 lead.
LSU (21-12/4-9) extended its advantage with two runs in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI double from Dylan Crews and a sacrifice fly from Cade Doughty. The Tigers tacked on their final run of the game in the 8th as designated hitter Cade Beloso belted a solo homerun to right field off of USC reliever Jackson Phipps.
The Gamecocks had one final chance in the ninth inning; loading the bases with nobody out. However, Colin Burgess grounded into a run scoring double-play before Brennan Milone struck out swinging to end the game.
Game two of the series is Friday night at 8pm ET/7pm CT.
