In a critical game for LSU, pitcher Nate Ackenhausen made his first start for the team and delivered an outstanding performance. Less than 12 hours after receiving a text from coach Jay Johnson, Ackenhausen took the mound against Tennessee in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. He pitched six innings, combining with Riley Cooper to secure the Tigers’ 11th shutout of the season in a 5-0 victory.
Ackenhausen, a left-hander, had primarily been used in relief, but he stepped up when called upon and exceeded expectations. His performance was crucial for LSU, as they needed a strong outing to stay alive in the tournament. The Tigers will now face the No. 1 national seed, Wake Forest, in their next game. To reach the CWS finals, LSU will have to defeat Wake Forest in that game and again in another game scheduled for the following day.
The victory against Tennessee marked LSU’s fourth win in five meetings with their Southeastern Conference rival, and it eliminated Tennessee from the College World Series. Ackenhausen’s start was a bold move by Coach Johnson, who had confidence in the pitcher’s ability to handle the pressure and deliver in a high-stakes game.
Ackenhausen outperformed Drew Beam, a highly regarded prospect for the 2024 draft, who had been impressive in previous starts. Ackenhausen’s strong performance allowed LSU to preserve their bullpen, giving them a better chance in their upcoming games.
The Tigers scored single runs in the first, sixth, and eighth innings, with Dylan Crews hitting a two-run homer in the ninth to seal the victory. Ackenhausen’s command and composure on the mound, along with the contributions of the LSU offense, secured an important win for the team.
Overall, Ackenhausen’s unexpected start and exceptional performance provided a significant boost for the LSU Tigers as they continue their journey in the College World Series.
Photo credit – CWS Omaha, Inc. / CWSOmaha.com / Omaha, NE