LSU baseball gave the ball to starter Anthony Eyanson in game one of the Baton Rouge Regional. The choice paid off with Eyanson pitching 7.2 shutout innings in a 7-0 win vs. Little Rock. Eyanson struck out seven and walked just one.

In 92 innings this year, Eyanson owns a 2.54 ERA to go along with 132 strikeouts. Both of those are among the best marks in the country.

"Just wanted to execute," Eyanson said after the start, "I'm going to say that probably every interview, but honestly, just wanted to execute, slow down in the moment. Just take it all in."

LSU head coach Jay Johnson didn't reveal the Tigers' pitching plans until the lineup was released on Friday. Eyanson and LSU's No. 1 starter, Kade Anderson, both put up ace numbers in the regular season. It was hard for Johnson to go wrong.

For Eyanson, the recipe has been simple.

"First pitch strike and being early and ahead in the count, it's always going to help, you know, me on the field. The defense behind me, they've been great. I think they deserve even more credit than they get," Eyanson said.

Eyanson's outing was ground out heavy, but the veteran pitcher was just focused on executing.

"I mean, they hit the ball on the ground, hit the ball in the air, as long as they're out, I'm fine with that," Eyanson said.

Eyanson didn't finish the game, getting pulled in the eigth, but he wasn't worried when the bullpen took over.

"It's really cool seeing those guys progress, especially (Mavrick Rizy). He's insane, but it's really cool seeing him grow and just keep working. I see his work every day, just being at the field around him all the time and just giving the ball to him and DJ," Eyanson said.

LSU will return to action on Saturday night, facing Dallas Baptist in the Baton Rouge Regional.