BATON ROUGE — Shortstop Michael Hollander went 2-for-3 with a grand slam and two runs scored Monday to lead the Gold team to a 7-0 victory over the Purple squad in Game 1 of the Purple vs. Gold World Series at Alex Box Stadium.
The Purple vs. Gold World Series, a three-game intrasquad series that culminates LSU’s fall baseball practice period, continues with the second game at 3 p.m. Tuesday and concludes with the final game at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Fans are invited to attend all games of the Purple vs. Gold World Series free of charge.
Hollander, a junior from Mandeville, La., sparked the Gold to a 1-0 lead in the second inning as he doubled, stole third base and scored on center fielder Jarred Bogany‘s double.
Hollander launched a grand slam in the fourth inning to extend the Gold’s advantage.
“Michael Hollander had a great day, especially with that big swing in the fourth inning,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “I thought the Gold team as a whole played some inspired baseball. They made some clutch plays and performed well.”
Senior left-hander Clay Dirks earned the victory for the Gold, working four scoreless innings and allowing just two hits. Sophomore right-hander Nolan Cain blanked the Purple over the final two innings.
Junior right-hander Jared Bradford, a transfer from Shelton State (Ala.) Community College, will start Tuesday’s game for the Purple team. The Gold squad is expected to counter with redshirt freshman right-hander Paul Bertuccini, a product of Rummel High School in Metairie, La.