The LSU Tigers rallied from an early deficit, powered by Omar Serna's grand slam, to snap their losing skid and head into SEC play with momentum.
The LSU Tigers got a much-needed win over the Creighton Blue Jays on Tuesday night, beating them 8-4 in their final game before the SEC season begins.
The Tigers had lost four of their last five games, stumbling on offense. Breaking that streak and scoring eight runs is a positive sign. They did score 15 runs in a game this past weekend, though, so a larger sample size will be needed before saying things are back to normal.
This game had started very concerning, as the Blue Jays got out to a 4-1 lead after three innings. It looked like they were en route to another disappointing performance.
LSU controlled the game from there, putting up seven unanswered runs. Four of them came off the bat of Omar Serna Jr., who hit his first career home run with a fifth-inning grand slam to give the Tigers the lead that eventually won the game.
Serna's finding consistent home run power will be a key to him becoming a valued member of the lineup. It was one of his biggest calling cards as a prospect out of high school. He has a big-time arm form behind the plate and projects as a power slugger.
Injured left fielder Chris Stanfield returned to the lineup after suffering an injury sliding into home in the second game of the season. He didn't start, but did make an appearance as a pinch hitter. He struck out.
Jay Johnson had just recently stated that Stanfield was a little over a week from returning, but the defensive ace had been cleared before this game. They'll likely take their time easing him back in.
Maverick Rizy, Deven Sheerin and Santiago Garcia stringed together a good second half of the game after Creighton jumped out to their lead. Garcia picked up his first save since transferring over from the Oregon Ducks.
The next time that LSU takes the field, it'll be on the road to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores, with the series starting on Friday at 6 pm CT.