LSU advanced to the SEC softball tournament quarterfinals with a 3-2 win over Alabama. The extra-innings marathon marathon set a conference record.
Taylor Pleasants broke the stalemate with a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 14th inning. According to the SEC Network, that marks the longest game in SEC tournament history.
Sydney Berzon also set an SEC Tournament record by pitching the entire matchup. The sophomore threw 208 pitches throughout those 14 frames, allowing eight hits and six walks while inducing 26 ground outs.
Berzon was surprised when informed of her pitch count during a post-game interview on the SEC Network. However, she said she never considered exiting the game and claimed she could “for sure” pitch the next day if needed.
“My arm’s not that bad right now. … If I had to, I’d do the job,” Berzon said.
Kali Heivilin opened the game with a two-run double in the first, but that was the last time Alabama scored. LSU outfielder Ali Newland made a diving catch to prevent the Crimson Tide from plating a go-ahead run in the 11th.
Unfortunately, the Tigers won’t have much time to rest. They’ll head back to Jane B. Moore Field on Thursday morning to face the SEC’s top seed.
Tennessee allowed just one run when taking two of three games over LSU in April. The Volunteers have won six of their last seven games since that series and enter the quarterfinals bout with a collective .295/.391/.532 slash line.
SEC Network will air the game at 11 a.m. ET.