COLUMBIA, S.C. – Kirsten Shortridge, Ashley Applegate, Rachel Mitchell and Anissa Young produced an efficient 7-for-10 effort from the top of the lineup with seven runs scored and six RBIs to fuel the No. 14 LSU softball team to a 10-0 six-inning triumph over South Carolina Sunday at Beckham Field.
“We talked about achieving our goal of a weekend sweep after winning the first two games yesterday,” head coach Yvette Girouard said. “I’m proud of our pitching staff for not allowing a run to start conference play. We also played great defense and hit the ball extremely well.”
LSU (21-4, 3-0 SEC) also received a stellar pitching performance from Rachele Fico in her SEC debut. She sprayed five hits and struck out seven as the Tigers notched their 16th consecutive win. The Connecticut native finished the game strong and mowed down four of the last six batters she faced.
“Rachele was a little up in the zone to start the game but really found her groove,” Girouard said. “We’ve been working hard on some different looks with her in the bullpen, and she still has some work to do. I thought she had a very solid first SEC outing.”
Shortridge turned in a 4-for-4 performance and matched a program single-game record with four runs scored. She became the first player since Jazz Jackson against Alcorn State during the 2007 season to cross the plate four times during a game.
“Kirsten is a special player that can do everything in this game,” Girouard said. “Her short game is phenomenal and she also can get hit for power when she needs to.”
The Tigers broke open a 2-0 game with a trio of runs in the fifth inning followed by five-spot during the sixth inning. Young tacked on a sacrifice fly, while Courtney Holler laced a RBI-single. A fielding error by South Carolina allowed another run to score to make it 5-0.
Falcon belted her first career homer to start the sixth. With one out, Jessica Mouse along with Shortridge notched back-to-back infield singles. Both runners came around to score after a wild pitch as Applegate slapped a two-run single, while Mitchell ripped a RBI-triple. She scored on a throwing error to push the LSU advantage to 10-0.
“We knew we need to start SEC play on the right track,” Mouse said. “Our goal is to have a great time every time we take the field. The thing that makes our team special is that we have confidence in every player. The key for us as the season continues is to keep picking each other up.”
LSU manufactured runs in the first and third inning to grab a 2-0 edge. Young started her three-RBI day with a sacrifice fly and a RBI-double, respectively.
The Tigers continue SEC action with a Wednesday doubleheader against Ole Miss. Both games will be broadcasted live on ESPN Radio 104.5 and The X 104.9 FM in the Baton Rouge area with Patrick Wright and Kent Lowe set to call the action.
Live stats also are available in the Geaux Zone on LSUSports.net along with live in-game updates via www.twitter.com/lsu_softball.
“Ole Miss is a dangerous team,” Girouard said. “They’re a different and much improved team from last season that has drawn our attention after taking a game at Florida over the weekend.”