Bell chimes twice to keep LSU alive

LSU's Bianka Bell runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a softball game in the Women's College World Series between Georgia and LSU at in Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 5, 2016.
LSU's Bianka Bell runs home after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning of a softball game in the Women's College World Series between Georgia and LSU at in Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 5, 2016.

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Bianka Bell's power extended LSU's season.

The senior hit two home runs, and the Tigers beat Georgia 4-1 on Sunday in an elimination game at the Women's College World Series.

Bell hit a two-run homer in the first inning and a solo home run in the fifth off Georgia starter Chelsea Wilkinson. Bell said she just followed Coach Beth Torina's instructions.

"I know coach is going to have a good plan for us and what we're going to go when we get up to the plate," Bell said.

"I just try and get on base and rally for my team -- same thing I've been doing this whole season."

Bell made an adjustment for the solo shot.

"I was just looking more down in the zone because she [Wilkinson] struck me out on the at-bat before on three inside low pitches," Bell said. "So I was just thinking, 'Get my barrel head up to the ball and just see it down and just make contact.'"

Georgia coach Lu Harris-Champer said it was just one of those days for Bell. Wilkinson, a senior, went the distance for Georgia (46-20) and gave up six hits and three earned runs.

"I think Bianka is a great player, just straight-up a really, really good player, great hitter, and she's brought a lot of heart for her team," Harris-Champer said. "She did an outstanding job today. I thought Chelsea pitched an outstanding game today, as well. Sometimes that's just what happens."

Carley Hoover pitched a complete game for LSU (52-17). She allowed three hits and struck out five.

Torina said it was one of Hoover's best performances.

AUBURN 8, FLORIDA ST. 7 (8)

Pinch-runner Morgan Podany beat a throw to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning and Auburn beat Florida State to advance to the best-of-three championship round.

Auburn (57-10) reached the championship series for the first time and set a school record for wins.

Carlee Wallace hit a three-run home run in the first inning, Jade Rhodes had a three-run blast in the third, and Kasey Cooper hit a solo shot in the fourth for the Tigers.

Auburn led 7-4 in the sixth, and Florida State had two on and one out when Auburn centerfielder Victoria Draper stretched out and robbed Morgan Klaevemann of what looked like a sure double. The Seminoles (55-10) loaded the bases with two outs, but failed to score.

Florida State's Cali Harrod tied it with a three-run home run in the seventh.

Sports on 06/06/2016

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