Smith helps LSU to series win

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 4, 2005

NASHVILLE – Junior left-hander Greg Smith fired his second straight complete game shutout and Nick Stavinoha drove in all three runs as ninth-ranked LSU won the rubber game of its Southeastern Conference series with No. 25 Vanderbilt, 3-0, at Hawkins Field on Sunday.

The Tigers improved to 31-14 overall, 12-9 in the SEC. LSU has won seven of its last eight SEC games, all against ranked teams. The Commodores fell to 29-14 overall and 10-11 in league play.

Smith (7-2) has now thrown 25.2 scoreless innings, dating back to the second inning versus Ole Miss on April 17.

In going the distance, the Alexandria, La. native scattered seven hits, struck out four and did not walk a batter.

Stavinoha homered for the second consecutive day – his 13th of the season – and drove in another with a fielder’s choice in the fifth.

Vanderbilt outhit the Tigers seven to five, while LSU left 13 runners stranded on the day.

Vanderbilt escaped another bases loaded situation in the sixth. Price allowed two of the first three batters to reach base and was pulled after firing 100 pitches in 5.1 innings.

After recording a strikeout, reliever Jeff Sues walked Jordan Mayer, presenting Patterson an opportunity to stretch the lead with the bases loaded.

Sues fanned Patterson on three straight pitches and preserved the 3-0 score.

The Commodores put the leadoff man on for the fourth time in the game in the seventh but once again Smith earned the critical outs he needed, setting down the next three hitters in order.

Smith capped his gem with scoreless frames in the eighth and the ninth, including a strikeout of Dominic De La Osa to end the game.