HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Blake Dean hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to give LSU a 5-4 victory over South Carolina in the opening game of the Southeastern Conference baseball tournament.

The Tigers (40-16-1) extended their winning streak to 17 games. LSU has not lost since April 19.

Jared Bradford (10-4) pitched a scoreless 10th inning after giving up a leadoff walk to get the win for the Tigers.

LSU trailed 4-0 entering the bottom of the ninth. But two walks set up a three-run homer by Matt Clark to cut the lead to 4-3.

The Tigers tied the game later in the ninth when D.J. LeMahieu scored on a bloop hit by Ryan Schimpf.

The Gamecocks (37-20) were in control for much of the game, thanks to freshman pitcher Sam Dyson. Dyson allowed only two hits over six and two-thirds innings.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)