Jay Johnson analyzes LSU offense finding success

Jay Johnson’s LSU offense found success against Tennessee in a 5-0 shutout victory. The Tigers advanced to the College World Series semifinals against Wake Forest.

Sure, the pitching was stout all night long. But the offense found its rhythm after a tough stretch in the middle of the game.

LSU led 1-0 going to the sixth inning, but started chipping away at Tennessee’s pitching and eventually put two more insurance runs up in the ninth.

“Yeah, you know, it’s tough,” Johnson said. “These guys have played so good for so many games this season and set a standard of scoring runs and hits and on-base percentage and slugging, that when you run into this park, with the wind blowing in, shadows, and then Drew Beam — you heard the best hitter in baseball call him a Major Leaguer — and that staff we saw last night that we’ll see next — it’s not going to be easy; you’ll have to win 5-0. And the game changes a little bit in that regard.”

The latter innings were the difference. It extended LSU’s lead and Johnson tipped his cap to his offense.

“I thought they kept with it,” Johnson said. “I didn’t feel like we got discouraged or stopped competing. It was just enough. The second run was big where we got the lead-off double by Tre’. Gavin laid a nice drag to move him over, they threw it away, gave us a little bit of breathing room.

“Strung together some good at-bats. Again, that’s off Seth Halvorsen, who’s throwing 100 miles an hour. You’re not going to score 10 in this environment. I’m proud of the way we kind of grinded it out. And the two pitchers did a great job to make that just enough.”

Johnson doubled down on his praise for Tre’ Morgan.

“Phenomenal, playing his best ball,” Johnson said. “I know he’s had a great career, so I don’t want to minimize the impact. But he’s playing his best baseball right now. He’s just one of those guys when you need him the most you get the most. 

“He’s one of those guys you could throw on a big league diamond right now, full stadium, and he’ll go out there and give you three or four quality at-bats. That’s what he’s doing for us, obviously playing exceptional first base. But the NCAA Tournament he’s been spectacular.”

Dylan Crews led the way going 2-for-4, walked once and drove in two runs for the Tigers. Cade Beloso also drove in a run.