LSU overcame a four-run deficit Thursday night at Alex Box Stadium, using three home runs to spark an offensive explosion that led to an 11-6 victory over Alabama. The Tigers, who had struggled at the plate last weekend, found their rhythm in the later innings as they improved to 33-6 overall and 11-5 in SEC play, while Alabama fell to 30-9 (8-8 SEC).

Ashton Larson hadn't recorded a hit since March 11 against Xavier, when LSU was cruising to an 18-2 victory. Since then, the former starter had received limited opportunities, stepping to the plate just six times before Thursday night.

With LSU trailing 5-1 in the sixth inning and desperately needing offensive production, coach Jay Johnson called upon Larson to pinch-hit for senior Luis Hernandez. The sophomore didn't waste his opportunity, launching a hanging breaking ball over the right field wall for a three-run homer that cut Alabama's lead to a single run and breathed life into the previously dormant Tigers offense.

Larson's clutch hit triggered an avalanche of offense, as LSU went on to score seven more runs over the next two innings to secure the victory. His moment of redemption proved that depth and preparation can pay dividends even from players who haven't seen regular action.

After a weekend where the Tigers managed just eight total runs, LSU's power returned in dramatic fashion Thursday night. Following Larson's three-run blast in the sixth, sophomore Steven Milam delivered the go-ahead shot in the seventh, crushing a three-run homer 396 feet over the right field stands to give LSU a 7-5 lead.

Junior Ethan Frey added the final exclamation point with a two-run homer in the eighth inning. The Tigers' power display was complemented by a balanced attack that saw freshman Derek Curiel lead the way with a 3-for-5 performance and an RBI. Frey and junior Daniel Dickinson contributed two hits apiece, while Chris Stanfield provided early production with an RBI double in the third inning.

The offensive explosion demonstrated the Tigers' resilience and ability to make adjustments after struggling at the plate in recent games. When the bats finally awakened, they did so in spectacular fashion, turning a potential disappointing loss into a convincing victory.

LSU sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson's start perfectly encapsulated the phrase quality start gone wrong. Through five innings, Anderson was masterful, allowing just two hits with nine strikeouts and no walks. His command was impeccable as he pounded the strike zone, with his only blemishes being solo home runs to Alabama's Kade Snell in the first inning and former Tiger Brady Neal in the third.

However, the sixth inning proved disastrous as Anderson surrendered back-to-back homers to Snell and Richie Bonomolo, turning a manageable one-run deficit into a four-run hole. After allowing a double following Bonomolo's blast, Anderson's night was finished.

The concerning trend for Anderson is his susceptibility to the long ball. After surrendering four homers on Thursday, the sophomore has now allowed 12 home runs in just 57⅓ innings this season. While his strikeout numbers remain impressive, Anderson's home run vulnerability could become problematic as LSU heads toward postseason play.

Freshman right-hander Casan Evans proved to be the stabilizing force LSU needed out of the bullpen. Entering with a runner on and nobody out in the seventh inning, Evans navigated through potential trouble without allowing a run. His performance wasn't without controversy, however, as he struck out Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron looking on a borderline pitch that nearly hit the dirt. The call was so contentious that it led to Alabama first base coach Mike Morrison's ejection after a heated protest.

Evans continued his strong work with a clean eighth inning before running into trouble in the ninth. Junior Connor Benge relieved Evans but struggled with command, walking three batters and hitting another to force in a run. Junior right-hander Zac Cowan ultimately came in to secure the final out via flyout, closing the door on any potential Alabama comeback.

The bullpen's overall performance, particularly from Evans, gave LSU valuable innings and maintained the lead that the offense had worked so hard to build. As the Tigers continue their pursuit of championship aspirations, the development of reliable bullpen arms will be crucial to their success.

The Tigers and Crimson Tide will continue their series Friday night at Alex Box Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 6 p.m. on ESPN2.