LSU had all the momentum heading into Game Two of the championship series of the CWS, but in baseball all it takes is a strong pitching performance to wrestle that momentum away. That's what happened Tuesday night in the College World Series.
Freshman right-hander Taylor Jungmann tossed a complete game five-hitter as Texas evened up the best of out three series with a 5-1 victory. Its only the fourth time this season LSU scored one run in a game.
LSU's offense was averaging 8 runs a game at the College World Series, but the Tigers could only push across an unearned run in the 2nd inning. You knew it was going to be a long night, when DJ LeMahieu led off the third inning with a triple, but was left stranded three outs later.
Coach Paul Mainieri decided to go with Austin Ross as his starting pitcher. That decision didn't go well for Mainieri, as Ross lasted just two innings and gave up two runs. Ryan Byrd allowed the other three runs to score.
Eleven-game winner Anthony Ranaudo will get the start in Wednesday's national championship game. Ranaudo was sharp his last time out in a win over Arkansas on Friday. Texas will counter with right-hander Cole Green. The sophomore is 5-and-3 with a 3.45 ERA. Green also pitched on Friday night, allowing just two runs in six innings of work.
LSU is hoping Tuesday was just one of those nights. The Tigers have only lost two games in a row once this season. They are not looking to end the 2009 campaign on a losing streak.
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