Jay Johnson details decision to use Riley Cooper in relief against Tennessee

In the seventh inning against Tennessee, LSU head coach Jay Johnson decided to turn to the bullpen. He handed the ball over to Riley Cooper, who held things down for the final three innings of the Tigers’ win.

After the game, Johnson explained his decision to turn to Cooper, instead of another reliever.

“Blake [Money] had been throwing the ball really, really well,” Jay Johnson said. “He was definitely part of the plan tonight. I didn’t think they were seeing Nate [Ackenhausen] well, and I think Riley is about as comparable and close to Nate as possible and I wanted to stay with that look because they were in between.”

Cooper dominated in his relief appearance. He only allowed two hits in three innings pitched, without a single Volunteer scoring.

“And, you know, when you’re pressing a little bit, when you’re in an elimination game, and you’re trying to chase runs late, he’s the type of pitcher that if you give him an inch he can take a mile, and he did what he did tonight.”

In the seventh inning of the game, Riley Cooper got himself into a bases loaded situation, which he got out of with a weak ground ball. However, Cooper never had a doubt that he’d get out of it.

“Never a doubt, really,” Cooper said. “I knew I could get out, I’ve been in that situation before, and I just knew to fill up the zone and trust my defense behind me. That’s what happened and I got out of it.”

Jay Johnson is proud of LSU becoming a team

There has never been a question that LSU has talented players. However, there were some questions about whether or not those talented players could become a great team. They have and it’s something that makes Jay Johnson incredibly proud.

“Very proud of our team this year. Obviously a great collection of talent, but they became a team. We were very deliberate in how we did that. We’ve had great player leadership. To have the expectations on them to be the No. 1 team in the country preseason, hold that for 11 or 12 weeks and not have a losing week the entire season speaks to their consistency and their talent,” Johnson said.

“I believe we’re playing the best baseball that we have all year right now, and very proud of being here. With that being said, we’re highly motivated to continue our streak of our best baseball right now. Can’t wait to get on the field. Very proud and very honored to bring this group of players to Omaha.”