LSU softball run-rules Southern Illinois to win NCAA Baton Rouge Regional
For the 10th time in program history and the first time since 2021, LSU softball is going to Super Regionals. The Tigers (43-15) clinched their spot on Sunday after they cruised to a run-rule win over Southern Illinois (43-11) in the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional Final, 9-0.
Sunday's game was rarely competitive. LSU scored in each of the first three innings, including a five-run second, to make the Salukis' chances at forcing a winner-take-all Game 7 slim to none.
If that wasn't enough, senior Kelley Lynch had perhaps the finest game since joining the Tigers in the circle. After allowing a walk to the first batter of the first inning, Lynch shut down the SIU bats — striking out six and not allowing her first hit until the top of the fifth inning.
Offense explodes
After scoring nine combined runs in its two prior games this regional, LSU's bats finally awoke on Sunday.
The Tigers scored nine runs — all in the first three innings — for its highest single-game total of the postseason. The highlight came in the bottom of the third: facing a 1-0 count, second baseman Karli Petty hit a home run so hard that it broke Tiger Park's scoreboard in right field.
See the home run here: Watch LSU softball's Karli Petty break scoreboard with home run in NCAA Baton Rouge Regional
Groff chased again
Salukis ace Maddia Groff was given the start against LSU once again, hoping for a better result than the first time she faced the Tigers. Unfortunately for the star SIU freshman, LSU got the same result.
While she didn't allow as many runs as she did the first time around, she didn't last nearly as long. The Tigers chased her in the top of the second after walking the bases loaded with no outs.
More LSU Sports: Who will LSU baseball play in SEC Baseball Tournament? Seed, time TV info
Carson makes appearance
Fan-favorite catcher Hannah Carson has dealt with injuries since her transfer to LSU two seasons ago. Despite being limited to 23 games in her Tigers career, Carson checked in for her first appearance of the postseason in the bottom of the fourth inning on Sunday. She received a standing ovation from the Tiger Park faithful and worked a five-pitch walk, pinch-hitting for right fielder McKenzie Redoutey.
What's next
LSU will head to the Stanford Super Regional next week.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: LSU softball run-rules Southern Illinois to win NCAA Baton Rouge Regional
