Lsu Baseball Vs Ole Miss Game 2
The Buildup to the Game
The LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels are two of the most storied and successful programs in college baseball history. Both teams boast impressive resumes that include national championships, conference titles, and numerous All-Americans.
So when the two teams met for Game 2 of their weekend series on May 1, 2021, it was bound to be a matchup for the ages. The Tigers came into the game with a 25-16 overall record and a 6-12 record in SEC play, while the Rebels had a 30-12 overall record and a 10-8 record in conference play.
The Pitching Duel
The game was highlighted by a pitching duel between LSU's Landon Marceaux and Ole Miss' Doug Nikhazy. Marceaux, a highly-touted prospect who had struggled with inconsistencies during his career, was on his game from the start, striking out six batters and allowing only one run on five hits over six innings of work.
Nikhazy, who had emerged as one of the top pitchers in the SEC, matched Marceaux pitch for pitch, striking out nine batters and allowing only two runs on four hits over six innings. The two aces kept the game tied at 1-1 until the eighth inning.
The Late-Inning Drama
The eighth inning proved to be the turning point of the game. Ole Miss' Hayden Leatherwood hit a two-run homer off LSU reliever Devin Fontenot to give the Rebels a 3-1 lead. But LSU would not go quietly into the night.
In the top of the ninth inning, the Tigers mounted a rally against Ole Miss closer Taylor Broadway. After a leadoff single and a walk, LSU had runners on first and second with no outs. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, and a groundout scored one run to cut the deficit to 3-2.
With two outs and a runner on third, LSU had a chance to tie or win the game. But Broadway induced a ground ball to end the game and secure the victory for Ole Miss.
The Aftermath
The game was a huge win for Ole Miss, as it allowed them to take the series against LSU and improve their conference record. The Rebels would go on to finish the season with a 42-21 overall record and a trip to the College World Series.
LSU, on the other hand, struggled down the stretch, finishing the season with a 34-23 overall record and missing out on the postseason for the first time in over 20 years.
Conclusion
The LSU Baseball vs Ole Miss Game 2 was a classic matchup between two SEC powerhouses that featured a pitching duel, late-inning drama, and a thrilling finish. While Ole Miss came out on top, both teams showed why they are among the best in college baseball and why their rivalry is one of the most intense in all of sports.