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Jay Johnson outlines hitting approach needed in College World Series elimination game

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•06/20/23
Jay Johnson, LSU Tigers baseball coach
LSU coach Jay Johnson stands in front of his team's dugout during a game against Wake Forest at the College World Series on June 19, 2023. (Steven Branscombe / USA TODAY Sports)

LSU and Tennessee are underway in an elimination game at the College World Series, with both teams vying for the right to face Wake Forest in the semifinals.

So far, it’s been a very defensive affair. The wind is blowing in pretty good at Charles Schwab Field, making it tough to barrel the ball up and push it out of the park.

LSU found that out early when sluggers Dylan Crews and Tommy White both blasted pitches to the outfield, only to have them stop well short of the wall.

“Yeah, you’ve got to be hard and low with your approach,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said during an in-game interview with ESPN. “Balls in the air are going to be out tonight. That’s two of the strongest guys in college baseball with the most power, gave it their best belt and it didn’t come close.”

LSU took an early lead in College World Series late game, scoring in the top of the first inning.

Crews drew a leadoff walk and moved over to third with one out when first baseman Tre’ Morgan singled to left field. After second baseman Gavin Dugas lined out for the second out, designated hitter Cade Beloso drove in Crews with a single to right center field.

That put the Tigers up 1-0 in the College World Series elimination game.

Meanwhile, LSU pitcher Nate Ackenhausen has gotten off to a quality start on the mound, working out of a couple tricky situations to keep Tennessee off the board.

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“He’s done a great job. He’s older, he’s poised,” Johnson said. “We usually win the games he pitches in, so we thought it would be a good time to pitch him tonight.”

Through the first three innings, Ackenhausen had given up three hits but blanked the Volunteers. He had three strikeouts and no walks, though he hit one batter.

The winner of tonight’s game will advance to face Wake Forest in a game that begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Wake Forest is 2-0, so whichever team wins tonight would have to beat the Demon Deacons twice in a row to advance to the College World Series championship series.