Despite the Vandy whistler’s disruption of the radio broadcast, the fighting Tigers of LSU answered with a crushing 13-2 victory over the Commodores in Nashville last night. Centerfielder Dylan Crews drove in four runs and second baseman Cade Doughty blasted two homers. LSU, which hit five home runs overall to increase its season total to 100, improved to 15-13 in the SEC. Vanderbilt dropped to 14-14 in conference play. Game 2 will be at 6pm this evening.

The SEC has issued a statement publicly reprimanding Alabama Coach Nick Saban and Texas A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher over the fighting words the two have exchanged this week regarding recruiting. Saban implicated Fisher and A&M “bought” every player on their team using name image and likeness. Fisher angrily responded saying they didn’t buy anybody and it’s despicable that Saban is a narcissist who is angry he didn’t get his way. In a statement the SEC reprimanded both coaches for violating conference rules of ethical conduct and public criticism of another member school.

More baseball scores around the state:

In Sun Belt Conference action, UL-Lafayette falls to Little Rock 2-0 Thursday at ML Tigue Moore Field. Game 2 is 6pm.

ULM pounded 5 home runs in the opening game of the Arkansas State Series which saw the Warhawks get a 16-9 win. Game 2 is 6pm.

Southern University slammed Alcorn State 21-2 in a game shortened to seven innings by the mercy rule. The Jags are now in 1st place in the SWAC with 2 games to play.

Tulane fell to Memphis last night 11-3.

The LSU softball team begins tournament action today against San Diego State at 7pm in the NCAA Tempe Regional. The Tigers receive a berth to the NCAA Tournament for the 17th consecutive season and have a record of 81-52 in the Big Dance with six NCAA Women’s College World Series appearances.