#4 Tigers go 3-2 in Judi Garmen Classic

Photo By: Jonathan Mailhes

3/2/2020
By: Terrill J. Weil
Da Boot Sports!


      
      FULLERTON, Cali.: #4 LSU softball would travel to California to participate in the Judi Garman Classic.  The Tigers would finish the Classic 3-2, however they came very close to finishing with a perfect record, as the two losses were very close, winnable games. 


      On day one, LSU would split their games. Game one would have the Tigers take on Loyola Marymount in a close pitching duel, as we would play five straight scoreless innings. LMU would plate a run in the top of the sixth. LSU nearly tied the game, but Morgan Cummins was called out at home plate. The Tigers also managed to load the bases with two out, but couldn't make the timely hit when needed, as the Lions would hang on for a 1-0 victory. Ali Kilponen (4-1), would be charged with her first loss of the season.
       Game two of the day, would have LSU facing the Texas Tech Red Raiders. In another exciting, close game, the Tigers would lead 5-2 after the sixth inning. But the Red Raiders would plate three runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie things up, 5-5. LSU would escape with a 6-5 victory, as the Tigers would score the winning run in the bottom of the seventh on a throwing error. Shelbi Sunseri would earn the win to go 4-0 on the season. 


      On day two, LSU would lead off against California. The Tigers came out blazing hot, platting four runs in the first inning, then adding another in the third. Cal would score their lone run of the game in the fifth, as LSU would down the Bears, 5-1. Shelbi Sunseri would pitch five shutout innings to run her season record to 5-0. 
       Game two would have two of the nation's top teams face off. #4 LSU vs. #2 Washington. After four scoreless innings, LSU would draw first blood in the fifth, as Anna Jones would hit a RBI double to left center field giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead. In the top of the sixth, the Tigers would commit two huge infield errors that would help the Huskies plate three runs. LSU would be unable to answer as they would fall to Washington, 3-1.  Shelby Wickersham would drop to 3-1 on the season with the loss. 


       The Tigers would finish the Judi Garman Classic with a 6-2 win over Colorado State. The Rams would take a 1-0 lead in the first inning before LSU would answer with three runs in the third. In the top of the sixth, Amanda Doyle would drive in Taylor Pleasants to increase the Tigers lead to 4-1. Doyle would end up scoring a few pitches later on a error throw back to the pitcher. 5-1 LSU.  Each team would plate a run in the final ending. Shelby Wickersham (4-1), would earn the win.


       The Tigers are now 16-3 overall on the season. Up next, they will return home to host Illinois State and Campbell in the LSU Round Robin. 




3/2/2020
By: Terrill J Weil
Da Boot Sports!

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