Grand Slams Power LSU Over West Virginia in 16-9 NCAA Super Regional Win
BATON ROUGE — The crowd at Alex Box Stadium roared as LSU delivered a performance for the ages, slugging their way to a 16-9 victory over West Virginia in Game 1 of the NCAA Super Regional. Powered by two thunderous grand slams and a relentless offensive barrage, the Tigers now stand just one win away from a return trip to the College World Series.
LSU’s lineup exploded from the first pitch, and the tone was set in the bottom of the second inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, junior first baseman Carter Landry crushed a 2-1 fastball into the right-field bleachers, igniting the purple and gold faithful. The grand slam gave LSU an early 5-2 lead and sent a clear message: the Tigers were swinging for Omaha.
West Virginia battled back with grit, putting up four runs across the third and fourth innings. Mountaineers catcher Blake Morgan launched a towering two-run homer to left to close the gap to 6-5. But LSU’s offense was just getting started.
In the fifth inning, freshman phenom Tyrell Gaines stepped up to the plate with the bases full again. With the crowd on its feet, Gaines turned on a hanging curveball and sent it rocketing 427 feet over the center field wall. The second grand slam of the night sent shockwaves through the stadium and gave LSU a commanding 12-5 lead. It was Gaines’ third homer of the postseason and the biggest hit of his young career.
“It’s a moment I dreamed about,” Gaines said, drenched in Gatorade postgame. “When I saw it fly, I blacked out. All I remember is my teammates waiting at home plate.”
Despite West Virginia’s attempts to claw back, including a three-run seventh inning that briefly narrowed the gap to 13-9, LSU’s bullpen held firm. Sophomore right-hander Mason Dupree came on in relief and slammed the door with three shutout innings, striking out five and allowing just one hit.
Head coach Jay Johnson praised his team’s resilience and discipline at the plate. “We’re not just swinging hard — we’re swinging smart,” Johnson said. “Tonight was a masterclass in situational hitting. I couldn’t be prouder.”
In total, LSU racked up 16 hits and drew seven walks. Eight of nine starters reached base at least once, and the Tigers went 7-for-12 with runners in scoring position. It was an offensive showcase emblematic of the firepower that’s fueled their postseason run.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, with LSU’s ace Jack Fontenot set to take the mound. A win would secure LSU’s 19th trip to Omaha and continue their march toward a seventh national title.
West Virginia, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly if they hope to force a decisive Game 3. But after Friday night’s onslaught, the momentum — and the crowd — belongs to Baton Rouge.
