Tigers take season opener over Terps

How it happened: Aaron Nola (above) struck out nine and sophomore center fielder Chris Sciambra went 4-for-4 and scored the only run of the game in the third inning as the Tigers topped Maryland 1-0. The last time LSU won a game 1-0 was in 1995. 

 

Most Valuable Tigers: Nola was sharp on a chilly night at the Alex Box.  He allowed only two hits and one walk in 6.2 innings. Chris Cotton recorded four outs to get the save. Sciambra had a hit every time he came up to the plate. It was an impressive return to the field for Sciambra, who had his season cut short last year, because of a broken neck. 

 

Stat of the night: LSU has more speed in its line-up, but they still hit into three double plays. The Tigers hit into a whopping 47 double plays in 65 games last season. 

 

Beyond the box score: The lack of offense from LSU forced Coach Paul Mainieri to use Cotton to close the game. If Cotton didn't pitch on Friday, he would get the start on Sunday. But Brent Bonvillian will now likely get the start on Sunday. 

 

Up next: Hopefully the fans who pack the Box on Saturday will see more offense. Junior right-hander Ryan Eades will start for the Tigers. He was 5-and-3 with a 3.83 ERA last season. Junior right-hander Brady Kirkpatrick will start for the Terps. He was 3-and-4 with a 3.04 ERA. 

Photo by:Hilary Scheinuk, LSU Athletics Student Photographer