William Schmidt excelled on the mound to lead LSU to an easy 3-0 win against Dartmouth at The Box and improve to 11-1 for 2018. In an impressive pitching display that extended for seven and one-third innings of shutout pitching – setting career best marks while Jaden Noot earned her maiden save after Mavrick Rizy experienced difficulties during relief duties – Mavrick Rizy earned LSU its 11th straight victory and extended their record by one victory at home against Dartmouth at The Box on Wednesday afternoon after Rizy had encountered problems during relief duties during Mavrick Rizy’s relief stint was troubled due to pitching performance from LSU on Tuesday afternoon.
Jake Brown hit his fifth home run of the season during the opening inning for a promising start for Tigers’ offense; however, their hits throughout were limited and only managed three more in subsequent innings.
Dartmouth’s Eddie Albert matched Schmidt’s efforts with a strong outing of his own. Albert pitched seven innings, allowing two runs—one earned—striking out eight, and giving up just three hits and one walk. His near-flawless performance was only marred by Brown’s homer.
Schmidt’s control and effectiveness were on full display as he struck out nine batters and allowed only four hits without issuing a walk. His rhythm was briefly interrupted by a leadoff single in the fifth inning but otherwise he was nearly unhittable. LSU head coach Jay Johnson praised Schmidt’s continued improvement and leadership following the game.
The game also featured some defensive miscues by Dartmouth’s outfielders in the fourth inning, which contributed to LSU’s second run. Steven Milam advanced on a ball that slipped through centerfielder Nico Banez’s glove and later scored after left fielder Chris Miller misplayed another fly ball. Milam was credited with a double, while Banez was charged with a two-base error.
A third run was added in the eighth inning, again aided by a Dartmouth error. Derek Curiel reached base on an error and eventually scored on a double by Brown. Schmidt ended his outing in the eighth after hitting Dartmouth’s first baseman, leading to a pitching change. Dax Dathe came in but struggled, hitting the shortstop with a pitch before Mavrick Rizy was called in to record two crucial strikeouts and quell the rally.
Rizy nearly earned his first career save but faced trouble in the ninth inning, walking two batters and allowing them to advance on wild pitches. With the tying run on deck, Jaden Noot entered and struck out the final batter to secure the victory for LSU.
Schmidt has demonstrated his tremendous potential with two stellar starts over his past month spanning 12.1 innings pitched while only giving up seven hits, striking out 16 batters, and issuing just one walk – an invaluable asset as Jay Johnson continues leading Tigers baseball this season.
Tomorrow night, LSU will complete their four-day round-robin series against Northeastern by playing them one more time, hoping to increase offensive production before facing their next test.