LSU softball opens SEC tournament with 14-inning walk-off win against Alabama
For most of Wednesday's game against Alabama, LSU softball's season was on the brink.
While LSU held Alabama's offense in check for most of Wednesday, the Tigers' bats had no answer for Crimson Tide ace Kayla Beavers, who limited LSU to one hit — a single from right fielder McKenzie Routedy — until the bottom of the sixth.
In that half-inning though, the Tigers began to put pressure on. After a groundout, a Routedy hit by pitch, a Raileen Gutierrez single, and a Taylor Pleasants walk loaded the bases. A strikeout for the second out could've spelled the end of the rally, but a Maci Bergeron walk drove in the first LSU run. Kelley Lynch came off the bench one batter later and tied the game with another hit by pitch.
This, combined with a leadoff walk in the seventh, chased Beavers. The Tigers got a runner to third, but couldn't bring her home, sending Wednesday morning's game into the afternoon with extra innings.
In the bottom of the 14th, Pleasants finally broke through with a bases-loaded walk-off single, as LSU (39-14) finally overcame Alabama (33-17) in the longest game by innings in SEC Tournament history, 3-2.
Berzon starts slow, but rebounds to break records
Sydney Berzon was given the start in the circle for the Tigers, and she initially couldn't get going. She walked leadoff hitter Kenleigh Cahalan, and allowed a single to right fielder Larissa Preuitt. After getting an out on a bunt, second baseman Kali Heivilin doubled to left field, driving in both runners. From there, though, Berzon was in the zone — throwing 208 pitches and setting the SEC Tournament single-game record with 14 innings pitched.
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Offense snaps streak
Wednesday provided the end of a long streak for LSU. Dating back nearly a month, the Tigers hadn't scored more than two runs in an SEC game, despite solid offensive showings in non-conference games. After scoring four runs in the last two SEC series of the regular season, three runs on Wednesday was a welcome change of pace.
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Controversial call in fourth
After Heivilin's second double of the game to lead off the top of the fourth, she reached third on an infield single to Pleasants. However, Pleasants and her glove made contact with Heivilin, and she was ruled safe with no interference. LSU's Beth Torina challenged, and after review, the call on the field was upheld. Ultimately, this made no difference — Heivilin was thrown out at the plate and Alabama couldn't score in the inning.
What's next
LSU plays Tennessee at 10 a.m. CT Thursday.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: LSU softball opens SEC tournament with 14-inning walk-off win
