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June 2009
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Both pitchers have gotten themselves out of jams now in this ball game. Hultzen allowed just one run in the bottom of the first, but it could have been much worse. Ranaudo pitched himself into trouble in the top of the third, but two incredible defensive plays (diving stop in the hole by LeMehieu and Nola climbing the ladder at short) helped him escape with just one run allowed. Thru 2 1\2... LSU 1, UVA 1 The difference between the regionals and the CWS is big innings rarely happen. Twice now LSU has been one hit away from a huge inning. The freshman from UVA has handled fragile situations as well as he could. LSU has hit the ball well and in bunches, but still have just a two run lead. After 3, LSU 3, UVA 1 UVA is a good mix. They can play small ball or pound the fence. This game has the feeling that a mistake could be the difference. Ranaudo was getting sloppy and tired and Mainieri saw that. I don't think he wanted to take him out of the game, but he had no choice. Paul Bertuccini is now in. These next few pitches will be the biggest of his life. Bases loaded, one out, LSU up just one, 3-2 Bertuccini gets one out with a great 2-2 curveball and the other on a fantastic play in left from Ryan Schimpf. LSU has made four incredible defensive plays to thwart UVA rallies. Both coaches had to go into their bullpens way before they expected. That has been weak spot for LSU this season. As I write that... UVA ties the game up with a solo home run. Decent pitch from Bertuccini, though. This game is taking a long time to play but it's not at all boring. Every inning seems to be a tipping point. Bertuccinni has found himself in his second one of the day. 1st and 2nd with one out, tied at 3. You can't make all the plays. LeMehieu mistimed his jump on bloop single from Keith Werman. The catch would have been the 5th gem of the day for LSU and the third out, instead it allows the go ahead run to score and LSU is now trailing for the first time. Austin Ross in for Bertuccini. Ross gets out of the inning, but UVA has now scored in three straight frames. Middle of the 5th, UVA 4, LSU 3 Sean Ochinko had struggled at the plate today, trying to pull everything. He was oh-for-two with two strikeouts and had left a handful of baserunners on. In the fifth, he blasted a no-doubter with two on to give LSU a 6-4 lead. It was his first home run since April 3. Top of the 8th. Mainieri isn't messing around. He's bringing in SEC Pitcher of the Year Louis Coleman. Mainieri has used all 3 of his regular starters in this game. The day off could work out for LSU. If Coleman can throw just 20 pitches, he could easily comeback and start Monday |
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