LSU Baseball Falls Short in Series Finale Against Alabama

Apr 20, 2025 at 1:49 AM

A disappointing offensive display led to LSU's 7-4 defeat at the hands of Alabama, marking the third loss in their series. Despite failing to secure a sweep, LSU triumphed earlier in the week with victories on Thursday and Friday. The Tigers faced challenges capitalizing on opportunities throughout the match, leaving multiple baserunners stranded. Early in the game, LSU struggled significantly, as they left five potential scorers unconverted by the sixth inning alone. Notably, Derek Curiel's double plays drained the team's momentum. Jared Jones provided a brief spark with his thirteenth home run of the season, but this was followed by an extended period without hits.

As the game progressed, LSU's fortunes seemed bleak, with several missed chances to capitalize on base runners. A pivotal moment came when coach Jay Johnson opted for Jake Brown as a pinch hitter, replacing Michael Braswell III. Brown's successful home run shortened the gap to 5-3, offering renewed hope. Meanwhile, Alabama demonstrated greater efficiency in bringing their baserunners home, scoring four out of thirteen by the sixth inning. The game reached its climax in the ninth inning, where LSU's bullpen showed resilience by stranding multiple baserunners, although ultimately falling short due to insufficient offensive support. Contributions from DJ Primeaux, Maverick Rizy, Cooper Williams, and William Schmidt were notable, yet not enough to secure victory.

Inspiration can be drawn from moments of adversity, such as Jake Brown's approach to stepping into another player's shoes, reflecting the team's spirit of adaptation and growth. Conner Ware's debut SEC start showcased strategic thinking, using his left-handed advantage against Alabama's lineup. Coach Jay Johnson praised the bullpen's performance, particularly highlighting Cooper Williams and DJ Primeaux's efforts. Although LSU missed the chance for a clean sweep, their overall series win underscores their competitive edge. Moving forward, the Tigers aim to build on this experience as they prepare to face Tennessee in their next series on April 25th.