THIBODAUX, La. — A three-run double by Leslie Klein and a two-hit shutout by Kristin Schmidt led the fifth-ranked LSU softball team to a 3-0 win over Nicholls State at the Lady Colonel Diamond on Wednesday evening.
With the win, the Tigers improved to 32-7 on the season while the Lady Colonels fell to 15-18 on the year. The pair will meet again Thursday in Baton Rouge at Tiger Park at 6 p.m. in a makeup for rain out game on Feb. 25.
Kristin Schmidt earned the complete-game win for LSU to improve to 19-4 on the season. She allowed just two hits while striking out 14, one off of her season high.
“Kristin had a pretty dominating performance today,” said LSU head coach Yvette Girouard. “She is a two-time All-American and she not only has some great pitches, but she knows how to use them.”
While the Tigers managed only four hits off of Nicholls State starter Dione Meier, LSU put three of them together, including the double by Klein, to break the scoreless tie in what proved to be the decisive inning.
“They have a very good pitcher,” said Girouard. “She is legit and you have to take advantage of every opportunity she gives you and we did that tonight. That proved to be the difference in the game.”
Meier took the complete-game loss to fall to 11-9 on the season. She allowed three runs on four hits with a walk and eight strikeouts.
After surrendering a first inning bloop single, Schmidt retired 11 consecutive batters, including seven by strikeout. She then gave up a double to left center, the only other hit she allowed.
The Tigers had runners on with two outs in each of the first three innings but could not get anything going. In the top of the fifth, LSU got a rally started with one out.
Sara Fitzgerald struck out, but reached first on a wild pitch. Camille Harris then singled up the middle, sending Fitzgerald to third, as Harris took second on the throw. LaDonia Hughes beat out a bunt single to load the bases.
After a fielder’s choice got Fitzgerald at home for the second out, Klein doubled to left center, clearing the bases and giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
After Thursday’s game with Nicholls State, LSU has the weekend off before traveling to Arkansas for a three-game Southeastern Conference series with the Lady’Backs next week. The series begins with a doubleheader on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and concludes with a single game on Wednesday at 1 p.m.
LSU 000 030 0 – 3 4 0
Nicholls State 000 000 0 – 0 2 0
Schmidt and Danos. Meier and Eads. W – Schmidt (19-4). L – Meier (11-9). T – 1:55. A – 876.