The LSU softball team found itself in danger once again on Friday night to begin the Purple & Gold Invitational against Illinois, but some sixth-inning heroics from [autotag]Ali Newland[/autotag] lifted the Tigers to a 3-2 win as they remain unbeaten at 14-0 on the season.
After two shutout innings, LSU got the scoring started with an RBI bunt single from Ciara Briggs, but Illinois answered in the top of the fourth, scoring a pair of runs quickly to retake the lead and chase [autotag]Emilee Casanova[/autotag] from the game in the process.
[autotag]Raelin Chaffin[/autotag] came into the game and pitched a shutout the rest of the way, but LSU still needed to make up a run.
Newland came through in the bottom of the sixth, hitting an RBI single to tie the game, and a sac-bunt from [autotag]McKenzie Redoutey[/autotag] gave LSU the lead. Chaffin went 1-2-3 in the seventh to put the game away.
The Tigers will be back in action later Friday night for the second leg of the doubleheader with a game against San Diego State.
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