LSU softball belts three home runs; cruises to Game 1 win in super regionals
The super regionals could not have started better for LSU softball.
The Tigers jumped on one of the best pitchers in the country, Stanford's NiJaree Canady for three runs before an out was recorded and exploded again in the fifth on their way to a statement-making 11-1, five-inning run-rule win in Game 1 against the No. 8-seeded Cardinal.
LSU, the No. 9 national seed, sits one win away from returning to the Women's College World Series for the first time since 2017.
The Tigers face Stanford at 8 p.m. Saturday with a chance to sweep the best-of-three series and clinch a spot in Oklahoma City.
Perfect start
The Tigers jumped on the Pac-12 pitcher of the year Canady from the start, scoring three runs before an out was recorded against the national leader in earned-run average (0.52).
It was just the second time this season that Canady allowed three runs, and first time in more than two months as McKenzie Redoutey singled and Ciara Briggs reached on an error.
Kelley Lynch, moved into third in the batting order by coach Beth Torino, brought home the first run with a double before Raeleen Gutierrez dealt the biggest blow to Stanford's ace with a two-run single.
LSU fought through a Stanford rally in the bottom of the frame as Sydney Berzon held the Cardinal to one run after yielding two walks in her opening inning after the Tigers bats staked her to a 3-0 lead.
More: Get weekend schedule for LSU softball vs. Stanford in NCAA Super Regional here
Berzon in control
While LSU's bats were dialed in against the dominant Canady, the Berzon kept Stanford in check.
The sophomore held Stanford to three hits and one first-inning run, improving to 20-8 on the season, successfully using her top-end drop ball with strong defense behind her.
Berzon finished with three strikeouts, but was given huge run support when LSU broke the game open in the fifth inning.
Power surge
Canady was chased in the fifth inning when LSU's Ali Newland belted a three-run home run after a close play along the line that was picked up in fair territory, setting the table with two baserunners.
Before the frame was over, Stanford would trot three different pitchers into the circle as LSU sent 14 batters to the plate.
The Tigers blasted three home runs in the inning, including a grand slam from Lynch, who finished 2 for 4 with five RBIs.
LSU pounded out 16 hits with the top four hitters in the Tigers lineup all recording multi-hit games.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: LSU softball tags Stanford ace with three home runs, cruises to win
