William Schmidt’s Struggles Spark LSU Baseball’s Collapse in Ole Miss Defeat
LSU’s starting right-hander William Schmidt began Saturday’s outing at Swayze Field with dominance. But a fourth-inning unraveling led to a 12-2 defeat in seven innings.
Early dominance turns
Through three innings Schmidt allowed no hits and struck out seven of nine outs. LSU carried a 2-0 lead when the game began to shift.
Fourth-inning swing
Schmidt walked the first two batters of the fourth inning. Two wild pitches put runners at the corners before a sacrifice fly and a single tied the game.
Catcher Austin Fawley followed with a two-run homer, and a double ended Schmidt’s outing.
Numbers and concerns
Schmidt entered the weekend with a 2.63 ERA and had not allowed more than three earned runs this season. William Schmidt’s struggles, including inefficiency and full-count walks, contributed to LSU Baseball’s collapse at Ole Miss.
He threw 85 pitches in 3 2/3 innings. Scouts note a four-pitch mix, including a changeup, plus a swing-and-miss curve and slider.
Bullpen collapse and offense stall
LSU’s bullpen surrendered eight runs on six hits over the next two innings. By the sixth inning Ole Miss led 12-2 and the 10-run mercy rule shortened the game.
LSU managed four hits and two early runs through two innings. Steven Milam drove in the first run with a two-out double, and Chris Stanfield added a sac fly.
After that the Tigers failed to put a runner in scoring position and managed just two singles the rest of the game.
Series finale
LSU is now 22-14 overall and 6-8 in SEC play. Ole Miss improved to 25-11 and 7-7 in conference.
The three-game series concludes Sunday with first pitch at 1 p.m., streamed on SEC Network+.
Filmogaz.com will carry continued coverage and post updates after Sunday’s finale. Coaches and players will address the media following the game.
