PHOENIX — Christy Connor’s two run home run in the top of eighth inning gave the eighth ranked LSU Tigers what they needed to upset No. 6 Arizona State 4-2 in extra innings after topping UNLV 4-2 in game one.
“We played like warriors today,” said head coach Yvette Girouard. “The girls stepped up to the challenge and found ways to win. I am proud of each and every Tiger on this team.”
In game one, UNLV took the 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning when Lisa Moses singled to get on and later scored on a fielding error by third baseman Julie Wiese.
Jill Crawford scored for the Tigers when Stephanie Hastings reached first on a fielder’s choice. Hastings then forced a rundown between first and second that allowed Dee Douglas to come across for a second run from third base.
Hastings later scored on a wild pitch to put the Tigers up 3-1 in the bottom of the third inning.
LSU added another run in the bottom of the fourth when right fielder Trena Peel crossed the plate on a fielding error by Rebel third baseman Linda Garza. UNLV scored a second run in the top of the fifth with a successful bunt by Carrie Bayless to send home Arica Painter and put the score at 4-2.
The Tigers combined for six hits off Rebel pitcher Geney Orris, who had only two strikeouts. LSU pitcher Ashley Lewis picked up her first win of the season, pitching six innings for the Tigers. Lewis had eight strikeouts and only gave up three hits. Junior Britni Sneed picked up the save in the seventh inning.
In game two against Arizona State, Trena Peel led off the top of the sixth with a solo home run to put the Tigers up 1-0. The homer was her first of the season. ASU answered back in the bottom of the inning with a solo shot by Shiloh Talanoa to tie game at 1-1.
Connor hit a two run homer in the top of the eighth to score April Janzen and give the Tigers the victory. Jill Crawford added an insurance run later in the inning with a solo shot to give the Tigers the 4-1 lead. ASU only scored one run in the bottom of the inning.
The Tigers had four hits off ASU pitcher Kristen Voak, who had eight strikeouts. Britni Sneed improved her record to 3-1 for the season, striking out four batters in the process.
LSU will face in-state opponent McNeese State on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. in Lake Charles before the Tiger home opener on Feb. 19 at 5:30 against East Tennessee State.
Game One UNLV 001 010 0 -- 2 3 2 LSU 003 100 x -- 4 6 2 Winning Pitcher: Ashley Lewis 1-0 Losing Pitcher: Geney Orris 1-2 Save: Britni Sneed (1) Game Two LSU 000 001 03 -- 4 4 2 Arizona St. 000 001 01 -- 2 3 2 Winning Pitcher: Britni Sneed 3-1 Losing Pitcher: Kristen Voak 2-1