It was ugly early as the top-seeded tigers committed 3 errors in the first inning which helped the bearkats score 5 unearned runs.  LSU (54-9) had 5 errors total which was the most this season and the most since 1996. The bottom line on a frustrating night is that the tigers found a way to claw back to defeat Sam Houston State 8-5.  Aaron Nola (11-0) did not have his best game but was able to dodge numerous threats by the third-seeded bearkats and Chris Cotton shut down Sam Houston late to preserve the tigers trip to Sunday’s championship game where they will have to beaten twice.

A record crowd of 10,752 watched the tigers get the win Saturday night.  Sam Houston State is forced to face ULL in an elimination game at 2:00.  The winner will face LSU at 7:00.