LSU Tigers Baseball Pulls Off 11-9 Comeback Win Over North Dakota State

In an exhilarating and high-stakes game, the LSU Tigers baseball team pulled off a dramatic 11-9 comeback win over North Dakota State, showcasing their resilience, depth, and ability to thrive under pressure. The game, played at Alex Box Stadium, will go down as one of the Tigers’ most thrilling victories early in the 2025 season. Despite a slow start and facing a formidable North Dakota State squad that had led for much of the game, LSU’s bats came alive in the latter innings, allowing them to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

This game highlighted not only LSU’s powerful offensive capabilities but also their mental toughness and unwavering determination, essential qualities for any championship-caliber team. It was a victory that not only boosted the Tigers’ confidence but also served as a reminder that in baseball, anything can happen. Let’s break down the key moments, performances, and themes from this unforgettable contest that saw LSU rally from a late deficit to claim an 11-9 victory.

Early Struggles: North Dakota State Takes Control

The game began with an unexpected turn of events. LSU, a perennial powerhouse in college baseball, was expected to dominate North Dakota State, but the Bison came out firing. Despite LSU being favored heading into the game, North Dakota State’s pitching staff proved tough, and the Tigers’ offense couldn’t get things going in the first few innings.

By the third inning, the Tigers found themselves trailing 6-2. North Dakota State had executed their game plan perfectly: they capitalized on LSU’s defensive miscues and kept the pressure on. Key hits from Bison players like shortstop Mason King and first baseman Noah Jackson put LSU’s pitchers on the ropes. A two-out rally in the top of the third inning scored three runs, extending the lead to four.

For LSU, the early innings were frustrating. Starting pitcher Gavin Dugas struggled to find his rhythm on the mound, allowing hits and issuing walks. Dugas, who had been solid in previous outings, gave up a series of hard-hit balls that found gaps in the outfield, leading to multiple runs for the Bison. Despite having some solid defensive plays and good pitching from the bullpen later in the game, LSU’s early errors and inability to put up runs left them in a hole.

At the plate, LSU’s offense was unable to get going. North Dakota State’s starter, left-handed pitcher Trey Hawkins, shut down LSU’s top hitters early, limiting them to weak contact and frustrating at-bats. While LSU had some opportunities with runners in scoring position, they couldn’t capitalize, failing to bring in key runs. The sluggish start left LSU fans anxious, and the Tigers seemed to be struggling to find their groove against an underdog team that had nothing to lose.

Mid-Game Adjustment: A Ray of Hope for the Tigers

Entering the middle innings, LSU was staring at a 6-2 deficit, and it appeared as though North Dakota State might pull off a stunning upset. However, the Tigers began to slowly chip away at the lead, showing signs of life.

The fifth inning became a turning point. After back-to-back singles by second baseman Hayden Latham and shortstop Jordan Thompson, LSU finally put together a rally. First baseman Jared Jones, one of the Tigers’ most consistent hitters, stepped up to the plate with two outs. On a 2-2 count, Jones drilled a line drive into the gap for a two-run double, pulling LSU within two runs at 6-4. The momentum shifted, and the crowd at Alex Box Stadium could feel the Tigers’ resurgence.

LSU’s bats, which had been silent for much of the game, started to show their potential. Designated hitter Trey Morgan followed Jones with a single that moved Jones to third, and the Tigers were knocking on the door. However, North Dakota State’s pitching remained composed, managing to get out of the inning without further damage.

Despite this, LSU had found its offensive rhythm, and the Tigers were now within striking distance. The momentum seemed to swing in LSU’s favor, but North Dakota State refused to back down. The Bison answered with two more runs in the top of the sixth inning, extending their lead to 8-4.

At this point, LSU was again faced with a four-run deficit, and the situation was growing desperate. The Tigers needed a spark to rally the troops and give them a chance to come back.

The Breakthrough: A Seven-Run Seventh Inning

In baseball, a team’s fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, and that’s exactly what happened in the seventh inning. LSU’s offense exploded, sending North Dakota State’s pitching staff reeling. The Tigers’ ability to adjust and execute in this pivotal inning showcased the resilience and maturity of the team.

It all started with a leadoff walk from outfielder Dylan Crews, who had been struggling earlier in the game but had shown consistent patience at the plate. After a groundout from Latham, Crews advanced to second base. Thompson, who had been quiet for most of the game, stepped up to the plate with a mission to deliver. He hammered a double to left-center, scoring Crews and pulling LSU within three at 8-5.

This set the stage for a dramatic rally. Jones, following up his earlier double, came through with a clutch single to score Thompson, making it an 8-6 ballgame. North Dakota State’s pitcher, Hawkins, was clearly tiring, and the Bison coaching staff made a quick pitching change, bringing in reliever Alex Whittier.

However, the change in pitchers did little to slow LSU’s offensive onslaught. After Morgan grounded out, second baseman Latham stepped in and immediately made an impact with a single. The bases were loaded for LSU, and the Tigers were poised to strike.

Thompson, who had already doubled earlier in the inning, was back at the plate. He was calm, collected, and hungry for a big hit. On a 3-1 count, he hit a deep fly ball to center field, which was mishandled by the North Dakota State outfielder, resulting in an error and allowing two runs to score. LSU had now tied the game 8-8, and the momentum had fully shifted in their favor.

The floodgates had opened, and LSU wasn’t finished. Jones, ever the clutch performer, followed up with another big hit—a single up the middle that plated two more runs, giving LSU a 10-8 lead. Not content with just the lead, the Tigers tacked on another run in the inning on a wild pitch, making it an 11-8 game.

 

The once-boisterous North Dakota State dugout had quieted as the Bison’s momentum completely evaporated in the face of LSU’s offensive explosion. The Tigers had scored seven runs in a single inning, and in a game that had been full of surprises, they had taken control of the contest.

Closing Out the Game: LSU’s Resilient Pitching

With the Tigers now holding an 11-8 lead, the next challenge was holding off a North Dakota State team that had shown its own ability to battle back. LSU’s bullpen, which had been strong throughout the game, needed to finish the job.

Head coach Jay Johnson turned to freshman pitcher Ty Floyd, who had been excellent in his early appearances for LSU. Floyd, displaying maturity beyond his years, was able to get out of the top of the eighth inning without allowing a run. Despite a couple of Bison runners reaching base, Floyd showed poise and struck out two batters, ending the threat and preserving the LSU lead.

In the top of the ninth, LSU brought in their closer, Garrett Edwards, to secure the victory. Edwards, who has proven himself as one of the most reliable closers in college baseball, made quick work of North Dakota State. He struck out the final batter, and LSU sealed the 11-9 victory, completing an improbable comeback that left the fans at Alex Box Stadium roaring with excitement.

Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience and Mental Toughness: LSU’s ability to fight back from a four-run deficit shows the mental fortitude needed to be successful at the highest level of college baseball. Despite struggling early on, the Tigers refused to back down and executed a flawless comeback.
2. Offensive Depth: LSU’s offensive outburst in the seventh inning demonstrated the depth of the team’s batting lineup. Contributions came from multiple players, including key hits from Thompson, Jones, and Latham, ensuring the team remained a threat throughout the game.
3. Pitching Stability: Although LSU’s starting pitcher, Gavin Dugas, struggled early, the bullpen proved crucial in keeping the Tigers in the game. Ty Floyd and Garrett Edwards were able to close out the game without allowing the Bison to mount a serious threat in the late innings.
4. Clutch Performances: Players like Thompson, Jones, and Crews, who had been somewhat quiet earlier in the game, came through when it mattered most, demonstrating the importance of clutch performances in close contests.
5. Team Chemistry: The victory highlighted LSU’s chemistry as a team, with players feeding off each other’s energy and never losing confidence despite the challenging start.

LSU’s 11-9 comeback victory over North Dakota State was a thrilling and memorable game that will be remembered as a defining moment in the early part of the 2025 baseball season. It showcased the Tigers’ resilience, offensive firepower, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. As LSU continues to build momentum, this victory will serve as a valuable reminder that in baseball, anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and stay focused on the task at hand. With this win, the Tigers look primed for another successful season, and their fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next.