Da Boot Sports
11/20/2023
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Jay Johnson held a press conference on Monday morning to discuss fall baseball practice and preview the 2024 season. Selected players then met with the media to answer questions.

   Video of the press conference is below...


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​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

Da Boot Sports
11/12/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: William Franques


   ​BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU outscored UL Lafayette, 14-3, over the course of an 18-inning fall baseball scrimmage Sunday in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
 
The scrimmage was divided into one 10-inning segment and one eight-inning segment. LSU led the Cajuns, 6-1, through 10 innings, and the Tigers posted eight runs in the second half of the scrimmage while limiting UL Lafayette to two runs.
 
LSU pitchers Gage Jump, Thatcher Hurd, Luke Holman and Cam Johnson were dominant through the first eight innings, each working two innings and blanking the Cajuns on just one hit with no walks and 14 strikeouts. Johnson
 
The Tigers collected 10 hits in the first 10 innings while limiting UL Lafayette to two hits.
 
Catcher Hayden Travinski highlighted LSU’s offensive output in the first 10-inning segment of the scrimmage with a double, a run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly.
 
Second baseman Josh Pearson contributed a two-run double and leftfielder Mac Bingham lined an RBI single.

LSU’s fall practice period will continue for one more week, and the Tigers will hold the annual intra-squad Purple-Gold World Series Friday, November 17, through Sunday, November 19.
 
Admission and parking are free for all of the Purple-Gold scrimmages in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
 

​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

Da Boot Sports
11/6/2023
LSU Sports Information
By: William Franques


​   LAKE CHARLES, La. – LSU outscored McNeese, 9-6, over the course of an 18-inning fall baseball scrimmage Sunday at Cowboy Diamond.
 
The scrimmage was divided into one 10-inning segment and one eight-inning segment. The teams were tied, 5-5, through 10 innings, and LSU posted four runs in the second half of the scrimmage while limiting the Cowboys to one run.
 
Hayden Travinski and Ethan Frey each homered in the first half of the scrimmage to highlight LSU’s offensive output.
 
Following are notable LSU stats from the scrimmage:
 
Hayden Travinski:   3-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Brady Neal:   2-for-5, 2B, BB
Mac Bingham:   2-for-3
Jake Brown:   2-for-6, 2B, 2 SB
Jared Jones:  2-for-5, 2B
Michael Braswell III:  1-for-2, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI
 
Gage Jump:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 Ks
DJ Primeaux:  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 Ks
Aiden Moffett:  2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 Ks
Justin Loer 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 Ks
 
LSU’s fall practice period will continue for two more weeks, and the Tigers will play host to an exhibition scrimmage versus UL Lafayette at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday, November 12, and the annual Purple-Gold World Series November 17-19.
 
Admission and parking are free for all fall scrimmages in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
 

​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

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Da Boot Sports
9/13/2023
LSU Sports Information
By: William Franques


​   BATON ROUGE, LA - BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU on Wednesday released its 56-game 2024 baseball schedule, which begins on Friday, February 16, when the reigning NCAA Champions face VMI in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
 
LSU will play nearly half of its regular-season schedule – 27 games – against teams that participated in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, including six games against clubs that advanced to the College World Series.
 
Starting times for the games on the 2024 schedule will be determined in the coming months after television schedules and team travel arrangements are finalized.
 
The deadline for current season ticket holders to submit renewals for the 2024 season is Monday, October 2. Season ticket holders may submit renewals by logging in to their online accounts at www.LSUTIX.net or by calling 225-578-2184 or 225-578-0100 during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through
Friday.
 
Applications are also available now at www.LSUTIX.net for fans to join a request list for new season tickets and parking permits.
 
The Tigers’ non-conference schedule is highlighted by a trip March 1-3 to Minute Maid Park in Houston, for the Astros Foundation Classic. LSU, which will participate in the event for the fifth time, will face Texas, UL Lafayette and Texas State in the MLB ball park.
 
Prior to the Astros Foundation Classic, the Tigers will meet Rice at Reckling Park in Houston on Wednesday, February 28.
 
The 30-game Southeastern Conference slate begins with a weekend road series at Mississippi State on March 15. LSU will also travel to play league foes Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Alabama.
 
The Tigers will play host to SEC weekends versus Florida, Vanderbilt, Auburn, Texas A&M and Ole Miss in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
 
Dates for some SEC games could change once the league determines its television schedule.
 
Preparation for the 2024 season is underway, as the Tigers are engaged in conditioning drills and individual workouts. LSU begins its full-squad fall practice period on Thursday, October 5.
 
LSU will play fall exhibition games at McNeese in Lake Charles, La., on Sunday, November 5, and versus UL Lafayette in Alex Box Stadium on Sunday, November 12. Both fall exhibition games are scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. CT.

​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​Our story starts out like most, with a good idea and two hard working people to make sure it became a reality.  Mr. Fun’s Travel opened our doors in February of 2018 with a plan to provide guests a first-class “bucket-list” travel experience, where we not only know you by name but treat you like family.

   Whether we are cheering on our LSU Tigers in opposing stadiums, catching an afternoon game at Wrigley Field or standing at Amen Corner during The Master’s, Mr. Fun’s travel is committed to proving exceptional customer service, lasting memories and a hassle-free travel experience where we take care of the details for you!
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Da Boot Sports
8/21/2023
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - Jay Johnson held a press conference Monday morning to introduce new staff members as well as announce his fall ball team roster...

   Press conference video is posted below....

   GEAUX TIGERS!!!

​LSU BASEBALL COACH JAY JOHNSON RELEASES FALL ROSTER

By: William Franques
 


​   BATON ROUGE, La. – LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson on Monday released the Tigers’ fall semester roster that includes the 20 members of the incoming recruiting class that have joined the program.
 
Johnson said it’s been 56 days since the Tigers claimed the 2023 College World Series title on June 26, and the focus of the program now shifts to preparation for the 2024 season.
 
"We’ve had a very busy two months relative to recruiting and finishing up this roster,” Johnson, the 2023 National Coach of the Year, said. “Obviously, the transfer portal has changed the dynamic of how we do business. We were very successful with the MLB Draft, only losing one of our recruits to professional baseball.
 
“We think this is an extremely talented class that combined with our returning players will get us started on a good note in fall workouts.”
 
Johnson said the Tigers will engage in individual drills and strength training for the next several weeks prior to beginning their full-squad fall practice period, featuring intra-squad scrimmages, on October 5.
 
Listed below are the members of LSU’s 2023 signing class:
 
32 Kade Anderson, LHP
Madisonville, La. (St. Paul’s HS)

• Ranked as the No. 2 overall player in Louisiana by Perfect Game for Class of 2023
• Ranked as the No. 19 left-handed pitcher and the No. 130 overall player in the nation by Perfect Game

 
9 Mac Bingham, OF
San Diego, Calif. (Torrey Pines HS/Arizona)

• Transfers to LSU after four seasons at Arizona (2020-23)
• Earned 2023 All-Pac 12 recognition after hitting .360 with 68 runs scored, 20 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 51 RBI and a .573 slugging percentage
• Selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 40th round of the 2019 MLB Draft

 
10 Michael Braswell III, INF
Mableton, Ga. (Campbell HS/South Carolina)

• Transfers to LSU after two seasons at South Carolina (2022-23)
• Played in 51 games for the Gamecocks in 2023 making 37 starts … collected eight doubles, two triples, a home run and 23 RBI
• Voted to the 2022 Freshman All-SEC Team

 
18 Jake Brown, LHP/OF/1B
Sulphur, La. (Sulphur HS)
·       Ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the state of Louisiana by Perfect Game
·       No. 18 ranked left-handed pitcher in the nation by Perfect Game
·       Voted the 2023 Gatorade Louisiana Baseball Player of the Year … posted a 10-2 record on the mound with a 1.71 ERA, surrendering just 39 hits in 73.2 innings pitched while striking out 118 batters … also batted .336 with seven home runs, 26 RBI and 20 stolen bases
·       Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round of the 2023 MLB Draft
 
52 Griffin Cooley, OF
Kinder, La. (Kinder HS)
·       Ranked as the No. 11 outfielder in the state of Louisiana by Perfect Game
·       Voted 2023 First-Team All-State in Class 3A, batting .462 on the year
 
53 Dallas Dale II, OF
Apopka, Fla. (Mount Dora Christian Academy)

• No. 9 ranked outfielder and No. 54 overall player in Florida by Perfect Game for Class of 2023
• Ranked nationally as No. 61 outfielder by Perfect Game
• Batted .400 in 2023 with 32 hits, 33 runs, nine homers and 29 RBI

 
38 Luke Holman, RHP
Sinking Springs, Pa. (Wilson HS/Alabama)
·       Pitched the past two seasons (2022-23) at Alabama, where he made 31 appearances (15 starts) and posted a 4.05 ERA with 111 strikeouts in 100.0 innings.
·       Worked as Alabama’s No. 1 starter in 2023, recording a 7-4 mark and a 3.67 ERA in 81.0 innings with 87 strikeouts and a .186 opponent batting average … finished No. 2 in the SEC in WHIP (1.05) and No. 3 in the league in opponent batting average and hits per nine innings (6.00)
 
55 Cameron Johnson, LHP
Upper Marlboro, Md. (IMG Academy)
·       Ranked nationally by Perfect Game as the No. 2 left-hander pitcher and the No. 11 overall player
·       Selected in the 20th round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals
·       Ranked as the No. 42 overall prospect entering the 2023 Draft by MLB Pipeline
 
23 Gage Jump, LHP
Aliso, Calif. (JSerra Catholic HS/UCLA)

• Transfers to LSU after two seasons (2022-23) at UCLA
• Did not pitch in 2023 due to injury … made seven appearances as a true freshman in 2022, including three starts ... finished the year with a 1-1 record, two saves, 3.86 ERA, .172 opponent batting average and 22 strikeouts over 16.1 innings
• Ranked as the No. 1 left-handed pitcher in the state of California as a high school senior

 
20 Ryan Kucherak, INF
Chandler, Ariz. (Hamilton HS)

• The No. 2 ranked shortstop in Arizona by Perfect Game for the Class of 2023
• Ranked as the state of Arizona’s No. 15 overall prospect by Perfect Game

 
54 Trenton Lape, RHP
Bossier City, La. (Parkway HS)

• Ranked as the No. 5 third baseman and the No. 132 overall player in the nation by Perfect Game
• No. 1 ranked third baseman and No. 3 ranked overall player in the state of Louisiana by Perfect Game
• Earned 2023 Class 5A All-State recognition

 
44 Ashton Larson, OF
Overland Park, Kan. (St. Thomas Aquinas HS)
·       Ranked nationally as the No. 13 outfielder and the No. 78 overall player by Perfect Game
·       The No. 1 ranked overall player in the state of Kansas by Perfect Game
·       Selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 20th round of the 2023 MLB Draft
 
6 Justin Loer, LHP
Lakeville, Minn. (Lakeville South HS/Xavier University)

• Transfers to LSU after two seasons (2022-23) at Xavier
• Made 29 appearances (one start) for Xavier in 2023, posting a 6-2 record, a 1.89 ERA and seven saves in 57.0 innings with 63 strikeouts and a .182 opponent batting average
• Earned 2023 Second-Team All-Big East honors and helped lead Xavier to the Big East Conference Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament bid

 
4 Steven Milam, INF
Las Cruces, N.M. (Centennial HS)

• Ranked nationally as the No. 32 shortstop and the No. 119 overall player by Perfect Game
• The No. 1 overall player in the state of New Mexico, according to Perfect Game
• Voted the 2023 Gatorade New Mexico Player of the Year after batting .627 with 52 hits, 50 RBI and 65 runs … also drew 42 walks and only struck out eight times over 30 games

 
43 Derrick Mitchell, OF
Plano, Texas (John Paul II HS)

• No. 5 ranked outfielder and No. 18 ranked overall player in the state of Texas by Perfect Game
• Ranked nationally as the No. 33 outfielder by Perfect Game

 
24 Austen Roellig, INF
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (Etiwanda HS)
·       No. 11 ranked shortstop and No. 37 ranked overall player in the state of California by Perfect Game
·       Ranked as the No. 51 shortstop in the nation by Perfect Game
 
46 MJ Seo, RHP
Carrollton, Texas (Hebron HS)

• No. 2 ranked shortstop and No. 16 ranked overall player in the state of Texas by Perfect Game
• Ranked nationally as the No. 40 shortstop and the No. 160 overall prospect by Perfect Game
• Voted to the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth All-Area First Team

 
51 Dylan Thompson, INF/RHP
Moss Bluff, La. (Sam Houston HS)

• No. 3 ranked shortstop and No. 11 ranked overall player in Louisiana by Perfect Game
• Ranked as the No. 139 shortstop in the nation by Perfect Game

 
40 Fidel Ulloa, RHP
Lodi, Calif. (Lodi HS/San Joaquin Delta College)

• Transfers to LSU after two seasons (2022-23) at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, Calif.
• Appeared in 14 games (10 starts) in 2023, posting a 5-1 record and 4.09 ERA in 55.0 innings with 75 strikeouts and a 1.29 WHIP

 
25 Kade Woods, RHP
West Monroe, La. (Ouachita Christian HS/Alabama)

• Transfers to LSU after two seasons (2022-23) at Alabama … did not pitch in 2022 due to an injury
• Posted a 4-1 record in 2023 with a 5.52 ERA, 38 strikeouts and one save in 29.1 innings … made 17 appearances, including one start, and limited opponents to a .219 batting average

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring and believing in our publication
​

​Our story starts out like most, with a good idea and two hard working people to make sure it became a reality.  Mr. Fun’s Travel opened our doors in February of 2018 with a plan to provide guests a first-class “bucket-list” travel experience, where we not only know you by name but treat you like family.

   Whether we are cheering on our LSU Tigers in opposing stadiums, catching an afternoon game at Wrigley Field or standing at Amen Corner during The Master’s, Mr. Fun’s travel is committed to proving exceptional customer service, lasting memories and a hassle-free travel experience where we take care of the details for you!
We hope you’ll join us on an upcoming trip and see why everyone doesn’t just want to go, but instead Geaux With The Preauxs!       www.mrfunstravel.com

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Da Boot Sports
7/12/2023
By: Jason Watson Jr.


   SEATTLE, WA- LSU has made history once again, this time, at the 2023 Major League Baseball draft.

   While there were a number of individuals that were deserving of being the number one pick, speculation over who would actually get the honor was still bubbling over until Seattle Mariners’ legend, Ken Griffey Jr., stepped to the podium and made the announcement. 
    

   The Pittsburgh Pirates selected ace pitcher, Paul Skenes, first overall, officially making him a major leaguer. Skenes was not in attendance at the draft, opting instead to watch and celebrate from home with his loved ones and the support group that had gotten him where he is today.
    

​   Skenes said that it “means a lot” being chosen at the number one spot and already has his sights set on winning a couple of world series titles for the Pirates, hoping to follow up on LSU’s most recent College World Series victory.
    

   The former Tiger pitcher joins two other baseball greats in being the first overall selection out of Louisiana State University. Eric Hetzel and Ben McDonald, drafted in 1985 and 1989 respectively, both went on to the major leagues out of college after successful collegiate careers. 
    

   Following the Pirates’ selection of Skenes, the Washington Nationals picked LSU center fielder Dylan Crews at the number two spot. The Golden Spikes recipient and Gold Glove outfielder looks forward to joining the rebuilding program and serving as a leader in the foreseeable future, hoping to bring success to the Nats’ franchise.


   This marked the first time that players to be selected both number one and two overall in the MLB Draft have come from the same university. The LSU Tigers are now the only collegiate team to own number one draft picks in the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and MLB.


​   The talent moving on to play professional ball does not stop there for the Tigers. Standout pitcher, Ty Floyd, was drafted to the Cincinnati Reds at 38th overall. Floyd’s draft stock soared following a record breaking 17 strikeout performance in Game one of the CWS Finals against Florida.


   Several other Tigers were drafted in later rounds. Many notable players from the LSU roster have now earned their professional stripes. Other players drafted include:

​Grant Taylor- Pitcher- Chicago White Sox (51)
Tre’ Morgan- First Baseman- Tampa Bay Rays (88)
Gavin Dugas- Second Baseman- Washington Nationals (165)
Garrett Edwards- Pitcher- Tampa Bay Rays (333)
Blake Money- Pitcher- Baltimore Orioles (361)
Brayden Jobert- Right Field- St. Louis Cardinals (365)
Riley Cooper- Pitcher- Baltimore Orioles (391)
Jordan Thompson- Shortstop- Los Angeles Dodgers (460)
Javen Coleman- Pitcher- Los Angeles Dodgers (490)
Christian Little- Pitcher- New York Mets (576)
    

   Unfortunately, there were a few names that fell short of hearing their name called over the course of the three day draft. Those undrafted include Alex Milazzo, Cade Beloso, Hayden Travinski, Josh Stevenson, Nate Ackenhausen, Jason Bollman, and Bryce Collins. 
    

​   Ackenhausen has already announced that he intends to return to LSU for his senior season. As for others, like Beloso, their big league dreams end here as they turn to a new page in life, seeking out what lies ahead for them.
    

   An underlying victory for Jay Johnson’s program, as they look to reload and repeat as champions, is the amount of LSU commitments that went in later rounds who now have a decision of whether to sign with their drafting team or make it to campus and join a winning collegiate program. 
    

   The number one ranked player out of Louisiana, Jake Brown, was selected to the Texas Rangers in round 16. However, Brown has already come out as saying he intends to play for LSU and forgo the MLB at least for now. Ashton Larson and Cameron Johnson are two more names with Tiger commitments to keep an eye on post draft time. 
​

​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

Da boot Sports
6/30/2023
By: Jason Watson Jr.


   Houston, TX- The Astros Foundation College Baseball Classic has just announced its participants for the annual tournament’s 24th year. Minute Maid Park, home of the MLB team Houston Astros, will play host to some of the best university talent the country has to offer. 

   One team on deck taking part in the event includes your reigning National Champions, LSU Tigers. The Tigers will be joined by in-state rival, Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) who will be traveling out west for the competition. 

​   Joining the Ragin’ Cajuns and LSU will be the Texas Longhorns, Texas State Bobcats, Houston Cougars, and SEC juggernaut, Vanderbilt Commodores. 

   While nothing has been solidified, the Astros Foundation has released a tentative schedule for the weekend’s games that can be seen below. 

Friday, March 1: 
Game 1- 10:05am CST- Houston vs. Texas State 
Game 2- 2:05pm CST- Louisiana vs. Vanderbilt 
Game 3- 6:05pm CST- LSU vs. Texas 

​Saturday, March 2: 
Game 1- 10:05am CST- Vanderbilt vs. Houston 
Game 2- 2:05pm CST- Texas State vs. Texas 
Game 3- 6:05pm CST- Louisiana vs. LSU 

Sunday, March 3: 
Game 1- 10:05am CST- Texas vs. Vanderbilt 
Game 2- 2:05pm CST- Texas State vs. LSU 
Game 3- 6:05pm CST- Houston vs. Louisiana 

​   One day tickets as well as full three day tournament passes will be released to public on-sale at a future date, which is not yet announced. Geaux Tigers!

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
​

Da Boot Sports
6/29/2023
LSU Sports Communications
By: William Franques


   ​TUCSON, Ariz. —LSU coach Jay Johnson has been named 2023 National Coach of The Year by Collegiate Baseball newspaper. Johnson, in just his second season at LSU, led the Tigers to their seventh national baseball championship at the College World Series.
 
LSU posted a 54-17 overall record as the Tigers defeated Florida, 18-4, for the title behind a 24-hit attack. The Tigers posted 11 wins during the NCAA Tournament, six of them against SEC teams.
 
After a 3-2 loss to No. 1 seed Wake Forest early in the College World Series, Johnson's Tigers came through the loser's bracket by eliminating Tennessee before earning consecutive wins over the Demon Deacons to setup a best-of-three championship series against No. 2-seeded Florida.
 
LSU won Game 1 of the series, 4-3 in 11 innings, before Florida drew even with a 24-4 victory in Game 2. Then the Tigers had a remarkable game in the third Championship Series contest to win the 2023 national title.
 
LSU was ranked No. 1 by Collegiate Baseball in its pre-season poll compiled last December and was ranked No. 1 by Collegiate Baseball 13 times during the 2023 season.
 
It is the fifth consecutive year a coach from the Southeastern Conference has been named National Coach of The Year by Collegiate Baseball.
 
The Tigers captured five national titles (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 2000) under ABCA Hall of Fame Coach Skip Bertman, and added a sixth when ABCA Hall of Fame Coach Paul Mainieri led LSU to the 2009 title over Texas.
 
LSU was led throughout the 2023 season by Collegiate Baseball’s National Player of The Year RHP Paul Skenes and CB first team All-Americans Dylan Crews and Tommy White.
The Tigers averaged 8.9 runs per game this season as the team hit 144 homers (2nd in the nation). LSU also ranked second in the nation in walks received (413), hit-by-pitches (143), on-base percentage (.432) and pitcher strikeouts per nine innings (11.7).
 
LSU was No. 1 in the nation in runs scored (634) and shutouts by its pitching staff (12).
 
The pitching staff recorded a school record 798 strikeouts led by Skenes (209, school and SEC record) and right-hander Ty Floyd (120).
 
Last fall, the Tigers landed Collegiate Baseball’s No. 1 recruiting class in the nation orchestrated by Johnson. It featured a star-studded class that included 21 newcomers (14 high school, five high profile NCAA Division I transfers and two junior college transfers).
 
Previous Collegiate Baseball National Coaches of The Year include:
 
• 2022: Mike Bianco, Mississippi
• 2021: Chris Lemonis, Mississippi St.
• 2020: Mike Bianco, Mississippi
• 2019: Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt
• 2018: Pat Casey, Oregon St.
• 2017: Kevin O'Sullivan, Florida
• 2016: Gary Gilmore, Coastal Carolina
• 2015: Brian O’Connor, Virginia
• 2014: Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt
• 2013: John Savage, UCLA
• 2012: Andy Lopez, Arizona
• 2011: Ray Tanner, South Carolina
• 2010: Ray Tanner, South Carolina
• 2009: Paul Mainieri, LSU
• 2008: Mike Batesole, Fresno St.
• 2007: Pat Casey, Oregon St.
• 2006: Pat Casey, Oregon St.
• 2005: Augie Garrido, Texas
• 2004: George Horton, Cal. St. Fullerton
• 2003: Wayne Graham, Rice
• 2002: Augie Garrido, Texas
• 2001: Jim Morris, Miami (Fla.)
• 2000: Skip Bertman, LSU
• 1999: Jim Morris, Miami (Fla.)
• 1998: Mike Gillespie, Southern Calif.; Mike Batesole, Cal. St. Northridge
• 1997: Skip Bertman, LSU
• 1996: Skip Bertman, LSU; Andy Lopez, Florida
• 1995: Augie Garrido, Cal. St. Fullerton
• 1994: Larry Cochell, Oklahoma
• 1993: Skip Bertman, LSU
• 1992: Andy Lopez, Pepperdine
• 1991: Skip Bertman, LSU
• 1990: Steve Webber, Georgia
• 1989: Dave Snow, Long Beach St.
• 1988: Larry Cochell, Cal. St. Fullerton
• 1987: Mark Marquess, Stanford
• 1986: Jerry Kindall, Arizona
• 1985: Ron Fraser, Miami (Fla.)
• 1984: Augie Garrido, Cal. St. Fullerton
• 1983: Cliff Gustafson, Texas
• 1982: Ron Fraser, Miami (Fla.)
• 1981: Jim Brock, Arizona St.
• 1980: Jerry Kindall, Arizona
 

Da Boot Sports
​6/28/2023
By: Terrill J. Weil


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The 2023 CWS National Champion LSU Baseball team arrived home from Omaha on Tuesday. On Wednesday night, fans packed Alex Box Stadium/Skip Bertman Field to watch the team celebrate the program's 7th title...  

   Below are photos of the celebration taken by our awesome photographer, Michael Bacigalupi...  
Enjoy & GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!!!!

Photos Below By: Michael Bacigalupi

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
​

Da Boot Sports
6/26/2023
By:Jason Watson Jr.


​   OMAHA, NE- For the seventh time in program history, your LSU Tigers are Men’s College World Series champions.

​   Capping off their road to redemption, LSU defeated the Florida Gators in Game three of the final series by a score of 18-4.

   Jay Johnson became the first head coach in NCAA Division I baseball history to lead their team to a championship through their first two years with a new organization. 

   "I don't know where to start. I'll do the best I can with this. The national championship team, I think the most gratifying part of it is they were national championship people every single day of this thing. And kind of feels like a two-year win, if that makes sense." Jay Johnson said. "I think about meeting with Cade right when I got the job and said, hey, we're going to go to work and change a lot of things. And just his coachability, amazing. Dylan is the best player in college baseball history, in my opinion. And just so thankful. And frankly, it was a big reason that I accepted the job. I probably would have looked at LSU anyways, but knowing that I was going to have once-in-a-lifetime player on my team for two years was a big deal to do that. I think about Thatcher. I told him, you know, when he said, yes, that he was going to come to LSU, I said, hey, big guy, you might be the most important recruit of my entire career, because I knew what the other three on the stage would do.
But to get to the national championship and get to the NCAA Tournament we needed real aces. And that's an ace right there, and one of the best pitchers in the country. It's kind of cool to feel that full circle. I don't know that I'll ever have children like Jordan is as close to what I would consider a son as anybody. And I'm so proud of him. I think Dylan and Jordan are the only two players that have started every single game for the last two years." Johnson would go on to add. "What a championship performance, heartbeat of our team. And I'm so proud of them. That kind of gives you some insight into it. Some other thoughts. I really believe this will go down in one of the best teams in college baseball history. So consistent in the regular season. I think the SEC Tournament is the only week of the year we had a losing record, if you think about that. Not only one losing week for an entire regular season. 11 wins in the postseason, six of them against SEC teams. And I really believe we played and beat every team, the best team that we could have played along the way throughout the entire tournament at that spot. So I love these guys. I'm so proud of them. And they are a worthy champion, if there ever was a worthy champion."
​

   After being defeated by the Gators in 2017, LSU gritted out big time victories all throughout the CWS behind the heavy swinging bats up and down the lineup in conjunction with dominant pitching from both starters and a bullpen whose come to life down the stretch. 


​   After a dismal performance in Game two, the Tigers flushed a 24-4 loss out of their minds and quickly moved on to make their own piece of history in Omaha. 



   Florida got the scoreboard moving early in the game with a leadoff single from Cade Kurland followed up with a deep two run home run from Wyatt Langford, picking up right where they left off Sunday afternoon. 2-0 Gators, headed to the 2nd inning. 


   LSU got a little swing of momentum going their way when Gavin Dugas earned a walk and advanced to second off a wild pitch. Brayden Jobert got on with a single to left, putting runners on the corners. 
   Jordan Thompson, who has had a rough go of it in the College World Series, brought home the Tigers’ first run of the night with an RBI single as cheers rained out in Charles Schwab field. An Alex Milazzo walk loaded the bases, starting the second time round the lineup. 


​   Cade Beloso is batting first in the rotation after Jay Johnson made some pregame adjustments in an effort to rejuvenate his offense. After being hit on the belt by the first pitch of the game, the Metairie native was struck once again, this time forcing across a run. LSU ties the game at 2 apiece. 
   The Gators then walked Dylan Crews and another run across in the process. Kevin O’Sullivan had seen enough from his starter and brought in Cade Fisher for relief; a critical early pitching change for Florida. 
   Tommy White came up to plate and battled to a full count before lining a ball out to left field for an RBI single. A sacrifice fly to deep center field from Tre’ Morgan allowed Beloso to come across the plate, making the score 5-2 Tigers. Gavin Dugas came up big in his next at bat as he singled into left, sending Dylan Crews home for the Tigers’ sixth and final run of the inning.


​   Thatcher Hurd forced a 1-2-3 inning from the Gator lineup in the bottom half of the frame, earning two strikeouts.

   In the top of the 3rd inning, Crews delivered a two out single to right field, putting runners at first and second after another Milazzo walk. 


   O’Sullivan went to his bullpen for the second time, this time bringing in Ryan Slater to face Tommy White. A ground out to short would end the half inning. 


   LSU’s bats came to play again in the top of the 4th inning. With two outs, Jobert got a double to fall in deep right field and was sent across home with a single from Thompson. Thompson would scurry to second base as Florida attempted to get the out at the plate. Josh Pearson drove a two run dinger out to right on a 1-2 pitch, making the score 9-2. 
   Milazzo singled and forced the Gators into another mound substitution. The catcher hustled home on a single from Cade Beloso and although the run scored off a late throw, Milazzo appeared to suffer a fracture to his left shin; a difficult blow dealt to the already injury plagued catcher room of LSU. Dylan Crews grounded out to retire the side, but not before the Tigers could put up a four spot extending the lead to eight. 


​   After a quiet 5th and 6th innings from both teams, LSU’s Morgan and Dugas got into scoring position by way of a wild pitch after a single and walk put them on base respectively. Florida’s Tyler Nesbitt would walk the bases loaded to Pearson before being pulled for Blake Purnell. Purnell would walk Travinski (in for the injured Milazzo) and gives LSU another unearned run; 11-2 Tigers. 
Riley Cooper came in relief of Hurd to begin the bottom of the 7th inning for the Tigers. Hurd would finish with seven strikeouts and two hits given up through six innings pitched. 


   Florida cut the Tiger lead down to eight with a solo HR from Ty Evans off of Cooper. Jobert made a leaping attempt at the robbery, but had the long ball just bounce out of his glove and over the fence in right. 


​   Crews tripled to lead off the 8th inning. He would be driven home off a single from Tommy White. Following a Morgan single, Gavin Dugas would get walked to load the bases. Jobert would ground into a fielder’s choice and Thompson would hit a SAC fly to deep left, scoring two more runners. The Tigers would eventually be retired and head to the bottom of the stint leading 14-3. 


   Gavin Guidry came in for the Tigers as the closer on the mound. Florida got a lead off knock from Kurland, making the score 14-4, off an almost meaningless run. Guidry would battle back to get the three outs in the inning and force the Gators to stare at the would-be final inning of their season.


   In what would prove to be his final at bat in an LSU uniform, Dylan Crews led off the 9th inning with a single to center. White would double down the third base line to send Crews home, adding just one more run to an incredible collegiate baseball career. A double from Morgan and a homerun from Jobert would extend the Tiger lead to 18-4. 


​   A combined effort from Guidry, Thompson, and Morgan shut down the Gators in the final frame. Two groundouts from short over to first and a swinging strikeout delivered from the bump to end the game sent LSU fans and players into a frenzy as the 2022-23 winners were crowned. 


   Jay Johnson hoisted the trophy and handed it off to his squad who jumped and celebrated their season. LSU ace, Paul Skenes, was officially named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. An argument could have been made for a number of Tigers to take home the award, but Skenes is nonetheless deserving. 


​   Truly, an incredible contest was put out on display for the Tigers to send their best players and seniors out on a high note with a victory closing out the season at Charles Schwab Field. Until next baseball season… GEAUX TIGERS! WE ARE CHAMPIONS!

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
​

Da Boot Sports
​6/25/2023
By: David Penn


OMAHA, NE - Facing elimination, the Florida Gators withstood an early deficit held by the Tigers to emphatically take game 2 of the championship series and force a winner take all game 3.

   LSU started the scoring in the first inning when Gavin Dugas hit an RBI double that scored Golden Spikes Award Winner Dylan Crews to give the Tigers a 1-0 advantage.

   Ty Evans would answer with a solo shot in the top of the 2nd inning and LSU would add a pair of runs in the home half of the second inning to take a 3-1 lead after two innings of play. Beginning in the 3rd inning, Florida would reel off 23 runs on 22 hits.
    

​   “Look at the two teams that are playing,” Jay Johnson said. “These are the two best teams in college baseball. Would I have liked today to have been different? Yeah. I think we were prepared to play at the beginning of the game. And then we asked Nate to get out there and give us everything he could. I’m really excited about tomorrow night. And I know our players are too.”
    

   LSU pitched by committee, Nate Ackenhausen got the start for LSU but only lasted 2 ⅓ innings before loading the bases in the third. Gavin Guidry was the first arm out of the pen and surrendered a grand slam by Ty Evans, Evans’ second long ball of the game in as many at bats.

   Hursten Waldrep got the start for FLorida and also only lasted 2 ⅓ innings as LSU got to him early and often.

​   As a staff LSU recorded 14 strikeouts by 6 different pitchers to only four for the Gators, but Florida put the ball in play throughout the game and a combination of untimely errors, well placed hits, and 6 homeruns kept the Tiger defense on the diamond. 
    

   On offense, the Gators had 11 different players record a hit, Wyatt Langford was 5-5, Jake Claglianone was 3-6, and Ty Evans was 3-5. Caglianone and Evans each homered twice in the game, and Langford put one over the left field wall.

​   The offensive outburst for the Gators began in the 3rd inning with Florida adding six runs in that frame. Florida added 5 runs in both the 6th and 9th innings, four runs in the eighth, two runs in the 7th, and a run in the 4th. The Gators only failed to put up a run in the 1st and 4th innings.
    LSU’s final run came in the bottom of the 9th inning when Brayden Jobert launched a two out solo shot with LSU down 21 runs at the time. Florida pitcher Nick Ficarrotta pitched the final five innings for Florida, only allowing LSU 3 hits and one run.
    

   The series will conclude on Monday night at 6:00pm CST, The LSU Tigers will be the away team in the contest for the championship rubber match.

   With a win, LSU will record its seventh College World Series Championship, the first since 2009 and the first for LSU Coach Jay Johnson.

   Florida has a chance to capture the program’s second championship and the second for Coach Kevin O'Sullivan.

Da Boot Sports
6/26/2023
By: Jason Watson Jr.


   OMAHA, NE- The road to redemption has officially started. LSU has defeated Florida and takes Game one of the College World Series championship with a 4-3 victory in an 11 inning duel.

   Ty Floyd fever was the highlight story of the game as he delivered a historic performance dishing out 17 strikeouts and only giving up five hits through eight innings pitched. 


​   In a game that could have gone either way, the Tigers have to feel lucky to have escaped with a victory after leaving 16 runners on base and a lineup finishing 1-12 with RISP.

   
   Pitching from the starter and bullpen were dominant once again for LSU as they held on to win in a nailbiter. 

   
​   "Great college baseball game. Two of the best teams in the country, a ton of execution by both teams from the mound. Great defensive plays. Really good, quality at-bats." Jay Johnson said. "Ty was outstanding tonight. Really hard to put into words what that performance meant for the outcome of the game and for our team. I think the eighth inning was the turning point, getting through the eighth, sending him back out there against their best hitters and striking out the side was amazing. Riley obviously did what Riley's done here and executed at a high level. Really proud of him for getting through that first and second one-out, I believe it was in the tenth with Langford and Caglianone. And offensively we did a lot of things right. Getting Sproat out before the fifth inning was a good job by our team. He's going to be a high draft pick. And we executed really well there. Hit into tough luck with the bases loaded there with Tommy lining to third base. I thought that was a good at-bat. Sproat did a nice job wiggling out of it where we might have been able to add some on early. But we stayed with it. And Tommy and Cade getting those swings were outstanding. On to tomorrow."
​


   The Tigers drew first blood in the top of the 1st inning as they were able to drive home Dylan Crews on an RBI single accredited to Cade Beloso. 


   A deflating top half of the second came to a close when LSU left the bases loaded and had scored zero runs to display for it. 


​   A 3rd inning lead-off homerun from Gavin Dugas doubled the Tiger lead in one swing of the bat, but that would be all to come across the plate as the Tigers stranded two more in scoring position. 


   The Gators were able to produce their first run of the game in the bottom half of the frame. With a man on first, Florida’s Wyatt Langford hit a high flying double out to right center field, putting men on second and third. Ty Floyd escaped the inning giving up just one run off a groundout before retiring the side. 2-1 Tigers. 


   While the Tigers kept Florida’s pitch count ticking up early on, there were a limited number of runs on the scoreboard. LSU, through four innings, had left 10 men on base including seven in range of scoring. 


​   Florida would pull their starting pitcher and bring in Cade Fisher for relief after a walk to start the 5th inning. 
In the bottom of the fifth, Gator outfielder, Ty Evans was able to tie the ballgame when he came home. After leading off the stint with a double to left, Evans scored off a groundout that was bobbled by Dugas, making the score 2-2. 


   A Tommy White single to lead off the 6th was not enough to aid the offensive woes for the Tigers. Two more runners left on base elevated the total to 13, a stat looming large in the low scoring contest. 


   Floyd gave up his first major mistake of his outing when he allowed B.T. Riopelle to rip a two out homer to right field over the fence, giving the Gators a one run lead heading to the 7th inning. 3-2, Gators.


​   Dylan Crews led off the top of the 8th inning for the Tigers with a groundout to short. White stepped up to the plate and hammered an 0-2 count breaking ball to deep left field. Tommy Tanks did it again and played hero for LSU, this time to tie the game at three runs apiece. 


   A one out single to left field from Tre’ Morgan led Kevin O’Sullivan to make a pitching change late in the game. Right hander, Brandon Neely came in to pitch and was able to retire the side quietly. 
Two more strikeouts for Ty Floyd and LSU closed out the side for Florida in the eighth, sending the game to the 9th and final inning of regulation baseball. 


   The 7-8-9 order of the lineup was due for the Tigers in the ninth, and a quick up and down string of at bats was all they could muster. 


​   Riley Cooper began the bottom of the frame in an attempt to close out the game. Cooper allowed a runner to work himself into scoring position for the Gators, but a crucial strikeout ended the side and guaranteed extras in Game 1 of the College World Series finals. 

   
   With one out in the top of the 10th, Dylan Crews took a full count walk and advanced to second base off a wild pitch before Florida decided not to pitch at Tommy White again and opted for the intentional walk. Tre’ Morgan would pop out and Dugas, a fly out, once again, stranding two on base with Crews in scoring position. 

  
   Florida threatened in the bottom of the inning, but to no avail. Josh Pearson leapt into the air and took away a would-be game winning hit from Langford as runners stood on first and second. Cooper forced a pop out to retire the side. 


   Tommy White on Thursday, and now Cade Beloso on Saturday. Beloso delivered a signature “belly bomb” to lead off the top of the 11th frame to put LSU up 4-3 and send the Gators down to their final three outs. 


   A full count flyout from Josh Rivera proved to be the first out in the bottom half. A Riley Cooper strikeout sent LSU fans into a ruckus as the Tigers became one out away from victory. 1-2 count… Strike 3! Cooper delivered again in the clutch, getting the punchout. LSU wins the ballgame and is now just one win away from winning their 7th College World Series championship. 


   Game two of the final series will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm CST. And as always… Geaux Tigers!

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
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Da Boot Sports
6/22/2023
By: Jason Watson Jr.


   OMAHA, NE- I believe Survivor said it best with “It’s the eye of the tiger/ It’s the thrill of the fight/ Rising up to the challenge of our rival.” LSU has defeated Wake Forest in a 2-0 shutout ballgame with a walkoff homer, sending the Demon Deacons packing. 

   The Tigers have now battled back to win three straight elimination games to advance to the College World Series finals, setting up a 2017 championship rematch against conference foe, Florida. 

   "Couple of things. Sorry for the delay. It's one of the greatest moments in my life, honestly, number one. Number two, couldn't be more proud of our team." Jay Johnson said. "I think that exemplifies the talent on this roster, but more importantly, the character and the people. And as I look to my left, I just see three great players that are better people than they are players. The best pitched college baseball game I've ever seen from both sides. Obviously what Paul did was spectacular. What Thatcher did was spectacular. You might see four pitchers that were on that mound tonight from both teams that will pitch in Major League Baseball All-Star Games.nAnd hat tip to Coach Walter and Wake Forest. We just slayed a giant tonight. And that was special. And, lastly, look to my left, if you're one of the best players in the transfer portal, there's only one place to come. Last summer I spent a lot of time with these young men, and I think they would tell you they made the right choice. I'd want to join forces with them if they're out there."


​   Ace pitcher Paul Skenes became the SEC single season strikeout king when he tossed his 203rd K in the top of the 2nd inning. Skenes passes former Tiger legend Ben McDonald for the crown. 

   Solid defense and elite pitching were the story of the game with both teams being held scoreless inning after inning. With hits limited and strikeouts aplenty, it certainly seemed as if bullpens would become an x-factor in the contest. 

   The first four stanzas were quiet with minimal offensive action. Things got interesting later into the game, until one squad prevailed and conquered. 

   In the top of the 5th, shortstop Justin Johnson drove a one out double to deep right field for Wake Forest. Brayden Jobert was able to corral it before Johnson rounded towards third base. As the next two batters grounded out, LSU kept it a goose egg affair, stranding one in scoring position. 

​   Now in the bottom of the 6th inning, third baseman Tommy White delivered a two out double in response giving the Tigers a threat on the bases. Tre’ Morgan came up and smacked the first pitch he saw toward the gap in left field, but an athletic snag in the air made by Wake’s Brock Wilken was enough to retire the side. 

   The Demon Deacons had the scare of the night in the top of the 8th inning with a runner galloping home from third. After Paul Skenes allowed a lead off walk to Johnson, the runner advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. 

   It looked as if the Tigers were going to pick up out number two of the inning on a strikeout from Jack Winnay, (playing for injured Nick Kurtz) but the first ball to reach the backstop all game allowed Winnay to reach safely at first. Johnson moved to third on the Tiger mistake. 

   The Deacs tried again with a squeeze bunt in order to bring the runner home, but defensive master, Tre’ Morgan, came charging in from first base and was able to flip the ball to catcher, Alex Milazzo, just in time for the tag to be applied. The outstanding prowess from Morgan preserved a zero-all score and kept Tiger fans’ hopes alive.

   A line out caught by left fielder, Josh Pearson, ended the inning. Wake Forest stranded two more baserunners. 

   The Demon Deacons began the bottom of the 8th with a new pitcher on the mound. Cole Roland came up in relief of Rhett Lowder whose night ended with six K’s, two walks, and only three hits given up in seven full innings. 

​   Roland walked the lead off Pearson and provided an out on a SAC bunt before being pulled for Michael Massey who would come in and earn a huge strikeout of Dylan Crews. 

   After intentionally walking Tommy White, putting runners on first and second, Wake Forest was able to retire the side with a flyout from Morgan. 

   A pitching change from LSU put Thatcher Hurd on the bump for the Tigers to begin the 9th inning. Paul Skenes was pulled after finishing with nine strikeouts, one walk, and only having given up two hits in eight innings of work. 

​   Two Deacon flyouts and a ground out resulted in a quick 1-2-3 frame from Hurd as the game turned to the bottom of regulation. 

   A lot of the same offensively speaking came from the Tigers’ middle lineup. A Dugas strikeout, Beloso pop out, and Jobert strikeout would send the game to extras. A true pitcher’s duel in Omaha. 
A quiet 10th inning had no hits nor baserunners from either team as the arms race continued into the 11th. 

​   LSU escaped the top half of the inning still scoreless although the Deacons left runners on first and second base. Tigers’ top of the order would come to lead off and potential first overall pick in next month’s MLB draft, Dylan Crews, looking for a momentum shift. 

   Facing a 1-2 count, Crews took a pitch out to left field for a single and put the winning run on base. Wake Forest opted for a pitching change bringing in Camden Minacci for Massey. 

   Tommy “Tanks” White stepped up to the plate and got a pitch to hit… and boy did he ever! On a first pitch hanging breaking ball, White drove it out to left earning the first and only runs of the game in walk-off fashion. A two run homerun, ending Wake’s season as the Tigers live to fight another day. Final score 2-0, LSU. 

​   The Bayou Bengals will win out of Bracket 2 setting up a best-of-three series with Florida this weekend. Game 1 will be played at 6:00pm CST Saturday evening. GEAUX TIGERS! CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND!

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
​

Da Boot Sports
6/21/2023
By: Terrill J. Weil


   OMAHA, NE - The Tigers continue to battle back out of the loser's bracket in Omaha as they face Wake Forest again on Wendnesday night, a team that they must defeat twice in a row to survive and advance to the CWS Championship round. 

   The purple and gold took another huge step in the right direction with a 5-2 win over #1 seed Demon Deacons

  "Great performance tonight by our team. Thought it was a great team win." Jay Johnson said. "Had a little bit of adversity early in the game there, and really responded offensively. In the second inning, we took some really good at-bats. And big inning obviously there in the third with a great one by Cade. Really proud of the pitching staff. Everybody contributed tonight. Was big of Javen to get out of the first inning with no runs. We didn't do them any favors offensively in the first, going down on nine pitches and swinging at three or four balls, which was a little out of character. So we made it tough on him in the second. Blake after giving up the single that was a big out right there with their best hitters coming up, and then obviously what a performance by Griffin to strike out Kurtz, to limit the damage there. And then really settled into the game and got us the length that we needed. And then Gavin came in and executed incredibly well. And Riley finished off another one. So good performance and we'll turn it over to tomorrow."


   Wake Forest got on the board first in the top of the second. Walks got LSU starting pitcher Javen Coleman in trouble as Jay Johnson replaced him in the inning after he allowed the bases loaded with only one out. Blake Money entered the contest but allowed a two RBI single. Money was quickly replaced by Griffin Herring who was able to get LSU back in the dugout. The game headed to the bottom of the second with Wake Forest holding a 2-0 lead.

   LSU answered in the bottom of the frame as Brayden Jobert doubled down the right field line to score Cade Beloso from second base, cutting the lead in half, 2-1. 

   The Tigers roared into the lead in the bottom of the third. Dylan Crews lead off the inning with a walk, followed by a single by Tre' Morgan. Gavin Dugas drew a base on balls to load the bases. Crews was able to score from third on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2-2. Cade Beloso then blasted a three run homer to right field to give the Bayou Bengals a 5-2 lead. 

   Both Gavin Guidry and Riley Cooper entered the game late to help keep the Wake Forest bats in check as LSU took the 5-2 victory.

   LSU and Wake Forest will meet again on Thursday at 6:00pm CST for a winner takes all contest to advance to the CWS Championship series against the Florida Gators. 
  

*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)
​

Da Boot Sports
6/20/2023
By: Jason Watson Jr.


   OMAHA, NE- LSU baseball will live to play another day after defeating Tennessee in an elimination game by way of a 5-0 shutout.

   Defense was the story of the game for the Tigers’ pitching staff tossing a combined nine strikeouts and giving up just six hits to the Vols. 

​   Jay Johnson opted to start Nate Ackenhausen on the hill and he pitched the best game of his season, eventually ending his night with seven K’s, giving up just four hits on 93 pitches over six scoreless innings of work. Those 93 pitches were 26 more than the junior’s season high of 67 which came in the Tigers’ lone win of the SEC tournament against South Carolina. “Acken” earned the win and Riley Cooper got the save. 

   LSU’s bats got going quickly versus Tennessee’s Drew Beam (9-4 on the year.) Dylan Crews was walked to lead off the game for the Tigers and advanced to 2nd base on an early wild pitch. After Tre’ Morgan made it runners on the corners with a base hit to left, Cade Beloso followed it up with a single of his own, earning an RBI in the process. 1-0 Tigers. 

   A quiet 2nd and 3rd inning was the result of a true pitcher’s duel. Beam had earned six strikeouts heading to the top of the fourth, but Ackenhausen had held his own with three K’s for the LSU mound crew. The wind was not aiding either offense to that point with several hard hit balls falling short, deep in the outfield. 

​   The Volunteers looked ready to get their first run across in the bottom of the 5th after Ackenhausen hit his second batter of the night and allowed a two out double to Maui Ahuna. Suddenly, Tennessee had two in scoring position, but a pop out blooper into shallow right finished off the side, preserving LSU’s one run lead. 

   First baseman Morgan led off the top half of the 6th with a double out left. He then immediately found himself at home plate earning the Tigers’ 2nd run of the night after Gavin Dugas laid down a bunt single. An errant throw from Vols’ senior, Zane Denton, allowed both runners to advance. Cade Beloso earned a walk next in the lineup. 

   Jordan Thompson popped out with another bunt attempt, and then Brayden Jobert grounded out to first, enabling Dugas and Beloso to get to second and third base. With LSU now bound to strike, the Volunteers called for a pitching change. Freshman AJ Russell came in and delivered the final out. 

​   With both teams struggling offensively, LSU fans cheered and rooted as the score stood 2-0. LSU’s starter came back out to begin the 7th inning, but was quickly pulled after his 3rd HBP of the game, this time giving Tennessee a lead off runner.

   Riley Cooper came into the game to relieve.

   Cooper came in and delivered two speedy outs, but then walked a batter, putting runners at first and second. Ahuna stepped up to the plate and hit a ground ball to Thompson that seemed a sure out, but a bobbled error allowed the bases to become loaded with two outs. A dangerous position to be in, LSU and Riley Cooper battled and got a ground out from Hunter Ensley, leaving 3 stranded Vols. 

​   Tre’ Morgan led off the 8th inning for the Tigers and was hit by Aaron Combs, Tennessee’s new pitcher. Dugas came up to bat next and was struck by a pitch that could have been a lot worse. Combs’ pitch struck Dugas in the helmet, narrowly missing his face. 

   Tennessee, having now allowed two  base runners with zero outs, called for another mound visit and pitching change. Seth Halvorsen would be called on for the bump. 

   Halvorsen would throw just 3 pitches to Jordan Thompson before he was pulled for Camden Sewell. Sewell forced Thompson to roll into a fielder’s choice, getting Dugas out at 2nd, but an unforced error from the second baseman allowed for Thompson to safely make it to first. 

   Runners on the corners, 2 outs, and the Vols hit another LSU batter. Jobert took his base, then a wild pitch from Sewell brought in Morgan from 3rd making the score 3-0 Tigers. Milazzo would ground out to end the inning. 

   A two out double from Tennessee got a runner into scoring position, but that would be as far as he makes it ‘round the bases as Blake Burke grounds out, sending the game to the 9th and stranding one Volunteer runner. 

   Josh Pearson led off from the nine spot in the final frame and earned a walk. With the top of the order coming up, LSU was looking like they were in good shape to win. Who else but the Collegiate Slugger of the year, Crews, to pad the Tigers’ lead with a 2 run blast to right field, extending the lead to five. 

   After giving up a walk to Dugas, Beloso doubled, putting the Bayou Bengals in scoring range once again. With a Jordan Thompson groundout to third, Tennessee was now down to the final 3 outs of their season and facing a 5-0 deficit to overcome. 

​   A quick 1-2-3 inning was in store for Cooper to deliver. After a fly out and strikeout, the Volunteers had one last fly out to the warning track that Pearson was able to snag effectively ending Tennessee’s season and keeping LSU alive for at least one more bout. 

​   With the loss, Tennessee has been eliminated from the College World Series. LSU will move on to a rematch against Wake Forest at 6:00pm CST on Wednesday night. LSU will have to beat the Demon Deacons twice to advance to the championship
series as they sit in the driver's seat at 2-0. It has been done before, so until the final out… GEAUX TIGERS!

​*John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

A huge Thank You to Cardio Health Solutions owned by Ron Sancho for sponsoring our publication!
​