LSU Baseball Opens Frisco Classic With 8-5 Extra-Inning Win Over Kansas State

The LSU Tigers kicked off their weekend at the Frisco Classic in Frisco, Texas, with an intense, thrilling victory over the Kansas State Wildcats. After nine regulation innings filled with high drama, the Tigers emerged victorious in extra innings, securing an 8-5 win. This win not only marked a successful start for LSU in one of college baseball’s premier early-season tournaments but also showcased the team’s resilience, depth, and explosive offensive power.

LSU’s performance was a rollercoaster of emotions, as they fought back from a 3-1 deficit in the middle innings. Behind stellar pitching, clutch hitting, and a never-say-die attitude, they managed to keep their composure and edge out the Wildcats in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s break down the key moments and significant performances that contributed to this exciting victory for the Tigers.

The Setting: Frisco Classic

The Frisco Classic is one of college baseball’s premier early-season tournaments, bringing together top teams from across the country for a weekend of high-level competition. Held at the Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, the tournament offers an opportunity for teams to showcase their talents, fine-tune their lineups, and face off against strong opposition in a competitive setting. LSU, as one of the top programs in the country, was entering the event with high expectations. Kansas State, though not as highly ranked as LSU, had a talented squad and was poised to make the game a challenge.

For LSU, this game was an early test of their mental fortitude, especially with their season just underway. The Tigers had an opening series win under their belt, but facing a team like Kansas State, which was eager to prove itself, posed a new challenge. LSU’s fanbase traveled in strong numbers, and they were hoping for an early-season statement win, one that would set the tone for the remainder of the weekend.

The Game’s Early Innings: Kansas State Takes the Lead

From the very beginning of the game, it was clear that this would be no ordinary contest. Both teams came out swinging, and there was a palpable sense of urgency from both sides. LSU’s starting pitcher, Ty Floyd, took the mound with the expectation that he would set the tone for his team. Floyd, a right-handed pitcher with a powerful fastball and a nasty slider, was looking to establish control early. However, Kansas State’s lineup proved to be resilient.

In the top of the second inning, Kansas State struck first. With two outs and no runners on base, Wildcat leadoff hitter and outfielder, Josh Day, worked a full count against Floyd before smashing a double to left field. The Wildcats capitalized on the early momentum, as first baseman Cameron Thompson followed up with a well-placed single to center, allowing Day to score the first run of the game. The Tigers quickly found themselves trailing 1-0.

Although LSU had their chances in the bottom of the second, they couldn’t bring anyone home, and the game remained tight. Floyd worked through some early jitters, but Kansas State wasn’t going to be easy to shake off. The Wildcats added another run in the top of the fourth inning. With one out and a runner on second, third baseman Travis Fienhage hit a deep single to left field, scoring Day for his second run of the game. Kansas State now led 2-0, forcing LSU to play catch-up.

But LSU wasn’t going to let the game slip away that easily.

In the bottom of the fourth, LSU responded. Shortstop Jordan Thompson led off with a leadoff walk, and designated hitter Brayden Jobert worked a full count to get a single into right field. With two runners on, the Tigers were poised to make their move. Right fielder Dylan Crews, one of LSU’s most dangerous hitters, stepped up to the plate with two outs. Crews delivered, hitting a single to center field to drive in Thompson. It was a big moment for LSU, cutting the Wildcats’ lead to 2-1 and providing a much-needed spark.

The Turning Point: Kansas State Adds One More

In the top of the sixth inning, Kansas State managed to take a commanding 3-1 lead when catcher Nick Goodwin hit a leadoff single. After a sacrifice bunt moved Goodwin to second, Kansas State continued to push. They capitalized on an LSU miscue when Floyd, attempting to pick off the runner at second base, threw a wild pitch, advancing Goodwin to third. With one out, outfielder Josh Day, who had already been a thorn in LSU’s side, delivered once again with a ground ball to short, allowing Goodwin to score from third.

This 3-1 lead felt significant, particularly because Kansas State had effectively worked their offense with a combination of solid contact and smart baserunning. LSU now had to find a way to respond.

LSU’s Offensive Surge in the Seventh Inning

As the Tigers entered the bottom of the seventh inning, the atmosphere around the Dr Pepper Ballpark was electric. LSU’s head coach, Jay Johnson, was determined to get his team to respond and put together a rally. They had shown glimpses of their offensive potential, but now they needed a decisive blow.

With one out, LSU got things going with a single from second baseman Gavin Dugas. Next, first baseman Tre’ Morgan, who had been a solid presence in the LSU lineup, reached base on a fielding error by Kansas State. With two runners on, the stage was set for one of LSU’s most consistent performers: Brayden Jobert. Jobert blasted a deep double into right-center field, scoring both Dugas and Morgan, and tying the game at 3-3.

The Tigers weren’t done yet. After a wild pitch moved Jobert to third, Dylan Crews, the ever-reliable batter in clutch situations, stepped up to the plate. Crews took advantage of a hanging breaking ball, smashing a single up the middle to score Jobert and give LSU their first lead of the game at 4-3.

With the lead now in their hands, LSU’s defense, led by Ty Floyd on the mound, was tasked with holding onto it. But Floyd’s struggles were far from over.

Extra-Inning Drama

As the game progressed, it became clear that both teams had a lot more fight in them. Kansas State refused to let the game slip away easily. In the top of the ninth, with LSU leading 5-4, the Wildcats mounted a rally of their own. Floyd was nearing the end of his outing, and LSU’s bullpen wasn’t quite as sharp as they had hoped.

With two outs and a runner on third, the Wildcats’ slugger Nick Goodwin faced LSU closer Riley Cooper. Goodwin didn’t disappoint. He managed to poke a base hit to left field, scoring the runner from third and tying the game at 5-5, sending it into extra innings.

The tension in the ballpark was palpable as both teams realized that they were now playing for the win, knowing the next run could decide the game. For LSU, the hope was that their offensive depth would pull them through.

LSU Seals the Deal in the Tenth

In the top of the tenth inning, the Tigers came out firing. They knew this game was slipping away from them, and a win would be critical for their momentum. The game had already been emotionally draining, and LSU needed a boost.

With one out, LSU found themselves with runners on first and second, with Dylan Crews and Brayden Jobert once again playing key roles. LSU’s offense clicked in the extra innings as Jobert lined a single into right field, scoring the runner from second and giving LSU a 6-5 lead. It wasn’t just about individual performances—LSU’s players were proving that they could work as a unit, moving the line and putting pressure on Kansas State’s defense. The Wildcats were worn down by the relentless LSU offense.

The Tigers weren’t finished yet. In the same inning, LSU added another insurance run when Tre’ Morgan laid down a perfect bunt, allowing Crews to score from third. Now leading 7-5, LSU knew they were close to closing out the game. The final nail came when Gavin Dugas hit a sacrifice fly to score Jobert, pushing the lead to 8-5.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The LSU Tigers’ 8-5 victory over Kansas State in extra innings was a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience of this talented team. It was a game that could have gone either way, but the Tigers’ combination of timely hitting, solid pitching, and unrelenting determination ultimately saw them through. From the explosive seventh inning to the offensive surge in the extra frames, LSU demonstrated the depth and versatility that make them a contender in college baseball.

Ty Floyd, despite the bumps in the road, gave a gutsy performance on the mound, while the offense was led by some of the most reliable hitters in college baseball, including Dylan Crews and Brayden Jobert. Kansas State, though they fought valiantly, came up short in the end, but they made LSU earn every inch of this victory.

For LSU, this win was an important step in building the kind of momentum they need as the season progresses. The Tigers will need to continue to perform at a high level to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament and make a deep run. But for now, they can savor this extra-inning win, which is a perfect way to open their participation in the Frisco Classic.