LSU bats lead rally in Game 1 win over Mississippi State

LSU entered Friday’s Game 1 against Mississippi State looking to get back on the right track in SEC play after dropping the series to Auburn last week.

Usually, Blake Money gets the start on Friday nights, but things have changed, as it was a “Mike Night.” Ma'Khail Hilliard got the start on the mound, and, just like he has been the past couple of weeks, he had another incredible start.

His performance and some timely offense led the Tigers to a 5-2 win over the Bulldogs to get a head start in the series.

Hilliard pitched six full innings only allowing two runs with five strikeouts. In the top of the fourth inning, LSU struck first as Cade Doughty scored on a Josh Pearson sacrifice fly to make it 1-0.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, the Bulldogs took the lead as they scored on a two-RBI single to take their first lead of the game 2-1. Going into the top of the ninth inning, LSU only had three hits and left seven runners on base, but all they needed was one run to tie the game and two to take the lead.

Josh Thompson struck out looking for out No. 1, Pearson flew out for out No. 2, then Hayden Travinski walked to give the Tigers a baserunner. Josh Stevenson then came in to pinch-hit and he was hit by a pitch.

Tigers had runners on first and second with two outs as Tre Morgan stepped into the batter’s box. A wild pitch then advanced both runners to second and third. Tre Morgan, facing a 1-1 count with runners on second and third laced a fastball up the middle to score Stevenson and Travinski as the Tigers took a 3-2 lead.

Dylan Crews was greeted by a new pitcher and he hit a “Crews” missile to expand the LSU lead to 5-2.

Paul Gervase stepped onto the mound to try and close the game in the bottom of the ninth. He struck the first guy out. The second batter grounded out to the first baseman. The last batter struck out swinging as LSU completed the victory. Game 2 will be tomorrow at 2 p.m. CT.

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How to watch LSU baseball's weekend series at Mississippi State

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