Riley Cooper says there was 'never a doubt' he'd escape bases-loaded jam
LSU beat Tennessee 5-0 to advance to play Wake Forest for a second time in the College World Series. A huge part of that win was pitcher Riley Cooper finding a way to work out of a bases-loaded jam.
However, as Cooper explained, there was never a doubt in his mind that he’d get out of the situation.
“Never a doubt, really,” Riley Cooper said. “I knew I could get out, I’ve been in that situation before, and I just knew to fill up the zone and trust my defense behind me.”
Riley Cooper took over from starter Nate Ackenhausen in the seventh inning with one on and nobody out. A walk and an error loaded the bases with two outs, giving the Volunteers a chance to rally against the Tigers, who were holding onto a 2-0 lead at the time. Cooper then managed to get out of it with a weak ground out.
“That’s what happened and I got out of it.”
Riley Cooper shut the door from there, pitching the eighth and ninth innings without giving Tennessee another chance to rally. The LSU offense added several more runs to pull away and win 5-0.
With the win, LSU is advancing to play Wake Forest on Wednesday. The two teams just met on Monday, when Wake Forest won a close 3-2 game. If the Tigers manage to win this game, they’ll force another with the Demon Deacons to decide who wins their bracket.
Jay Johnson on the progression of the LSU bullpen
As the season went on for LSU, the bullpen got much better. That’s been a huge reason why the Tigers were able to make it to Omaha and find success once they got there.
Head coach Jay Johnson broke down that progression ahead of the College World Series.
“I never doubted the talent. I think we just needed to help them get lined up a little bit better mentally,” Johnson said. “I think the two things that we really focused on were making sure that they were ready to get the first hitter out when they come in the game. Like, we’re bringing you in to get that guy out to start with. When something goes wrong, just to be able to reset and get to the next pitch.”
Jay Johnson even took the time to praise Riley Cooper in particular.
“I mean, it’s no accident that big boy has been to Omaha twice and has pitched there and helped us get there twice. I mean, I think that’s the second Super Regional win for him.”