LSU rightfielder Ryan Schimpf hit a three-run homer in bottom of the fifth inning that gave the top-ranked Tigers a key game 1 victory over Rice, 12-9, at Friday night's NCAA Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium.
The teams meet for game 2 of the three-game series at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
If necessary, Sunday's game 3 will start at 6 p.m.
LSU (50-16) overcame four errors -- including one by each of its three true freshmen in the lineup -- and a 4-1 deficit to get within a game of its 15th College World Series appearance.
Tigers starting righthander Anthony Ranaudo (10-3) shook off the fielding mistakes and put on another fine performance for the home crowd. The 6-foot-7 sophomore gave up only one earned run on five hits in 7.2 innings with nine strikeouts.
Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the fifth, Schimpf hit the second offering from Rice reliever Taylor Wall (7-6) over the right-center field wall to give the Tigers the lead and bring the crowd to life. Rice never recovered from the six-run frame.
LSU head coach Paul Mainieri is expected to start righthander Louis Coleman (12-2, 2.72 ERA) on Saturday, while Rice is expected to throw righthander Ryan Berry (7-1, 2.00 ERA).
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