2/28/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net
By: Garret Sulak




       HOUSTON – Sophomore right-handers Cole Henry and Jaden Hill combined for 16 strikeouts Friday night at Minute Maid Park as No. 11 LSU defeated Texas, 4-3, in the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic.
      The Tigers will play Baylor in the second game of the Shriners Classic on Saturday at 3 p.m. CT. The game will be available on Cox Sports Television, AT&T SportsNet and online at MLB.com. Fans can listen to the game on the LSU Sports Radio Network, including 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge, or online at LSUsports.net/live.
      With the win, LSU improved to 7-3 on the season, while Texas dropped its first game of the season and is now 9-1.
      "It was a really good baseball game," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "I can't remember the last time we struck out our opponent 16 times in a game. When you run arms like Cole Henry and Jaden Hill out there, it's pretty exciting to watch."
      Henry (2-1) got the start and earned the win with six innings of work, firing 92 pitches. He allowed three runs – two earned – on four hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts.
      "Cole threw 35 pitches in the third inning, and I was really close to taking him out of the game," Mainieri said, "but he zipped through the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, and he was begging to go back out for the seventh." Hill picked up the save – the first of his LSU career -- with three dominant innings, allowing no hit with six strikeouts.
      "Jaden Hill is a special talent, he's got a great arm and he's a great athlete," Mainieri said. "He's not just a hard thrower, he's got a good slider and change-up, and he was dynamic tonight. We're bringing him along slowly (after last season's elbow injury); we want him to feel confident in his health and build up his stamina. He's going to continue to get better and better."
      LSU put up two runs in the bottom of the second to take the early lead over the Longhorns. Rightfielder Daniel Cabrera hit a leadoff single up the middle and designated hitter Saul Garza followed with an RBI triple to center that scored Cabrera.
      With Garza at third, second baseman Cade Doughty hit a two-out infield single that allowed Garza to score and give LSU a 2-0 advantage.
      Longhorns answered with two runs in the top of the third to tie the game. Catcher DJ Petrinsky hit a leadoff solo shot to left center, and later in the inning second baseman Brenden Dixon scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Zach Zubia.
      Texas took the lead in the fourth as shortstop Trey Faltine scored an unearned run on a sac fly by Petrinsky. Faltine was hit by a pitch to start the inning and moved to third on a throwing error by third baseman Zack Mathis.
      The Tigers reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the sixth as Cabrera belted a two-run homer over the right field wall. The dinger was the second of the season for Cabrera, who now has 22 career home runs.
      "We got a big swing from Daniel Cabrera," Mainieri said. "We got two big swings, really; Saul Garza crushed that ball off the wall to give us the lead early."
      Bryce Elder (2-1) was charged with the loss for Texas, as he tossed 6.1 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with two walks 10 strikeouts.


Up Next for LSU in the Classic, will be a match up with Baylor on Saturday Feb.29th, 3pm CT..


2/28/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net
​

2/26/2020
By: Jordan Taylor
Da Boot Sports!




       BATON ROUGE:  The Fighting Tiger Baseball team of LSU (5-3) was back at the Box Wednesday night for a chilly, mid week contest against a really tough Louisiana Tech baseball team (5-2).  The Tigers look for a better outcome on the night, after being shocked by Nicholls in a 4-2 loss a week ago today.   
      LSU would start junior college transfer, Brandon Kaminer on the hill, while Louisiana Tech would send a freshman, Greg Martinez to take on the Tigers batting line up.
      Tigers lead the all time series in this match up 42-19. Last year when both teams met,  the Bulldogs came away with as surprising 12-1 victory. This contest will mark only the fourth meeting between the two schools since 1998.       


    1st INNING RECAP:
        Left hander Brandon Kaminer would make his 4th appearance this season. After a lead off bunt single to begin the game, Kaminer would fan the second hole swinging for out number one.  Alex Milazzo would gun down the runner trying to steal second. Quick work for the Tigers as a pop up to right field for the final out of the top of the inning.   
      Zack Mathis would lead off for LSU, by ripping a single to center field. Coach Mainieri would next go with a hit and run to move the runner over, as out number one was recorded by ground out. Cade Beloso hit a RBI single to right field to give the Tigers the early 1-0 lead. After a Daniel Cabrera ground out for the second out,  Saul Garza would walk to extend the inning & put runners on the corners. However, the Tigers would leave them stranded on base to end the 1st inning.


    2nd INNING RECAP: 
        Brandon Kaminer would face the minimum sitting down three in a row, to send us to the bottom of the inning.
       Giovanni Digiacomo would draw a lead off walk to start the 2nd inning, then would quickly  steal second, moving him into scoring position. A passed ball would send him to third with no outs.  Maurice Hampton would then step up and deliver with a RBI double giving  the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Collier Cranford would then lay down a bunt and reach base safely after a Bulldogs' error. The error would also allow a run to cross the plate to extend LSU's lead to 3-0. After two quick outs,  Cade Beloso would continue to be hot at the plate, hitting a single, and driving in another run to give the Tigers a 4-0 lead after two innings.     


    3rd INNING RECAP: 
        Trent Vietmeier would start the 3rd inning for LSU on the mound, and would record outs against the first three batters he would face, as the Bulldogs would go down quietly in the top of the frame.
       LA Tech would make quick work of the first two Tigers hitters. Giovanni DiGiacomo would come away with a one out single to center to keep the inning alive. Then, a crazy run down leads to DiGiacomo finding his way to second safely. Maruice Hampton rips a two out Rbi single to left field to extend the lead 5-0. Collier Cranford & Zack Mathis would join the hit parade after back to back singles on two outs give LSU a 6-0 lead as the inning would come to a close.


    4th INNING RECAP: 
        Trent Vietmeier takes care of the only batter he sees that inning with a fly out to Hampton. Jacob Hasty would then step in to replaced him and record the final two outs. 
       LSU would be unable to plate any runs in the 4th, as they would leave a runner on base.       


    5th INNING RECAP: 
        Aaron George would take his turn to pitch for the Tigers.  After giving up a lead off single, George would respond with a strike out, then would force the next hitter to ground into a inning ending double play.
       After two quick outs to begin the 5th inning.  But the Tigers would find a base runner after Maurice Hampton would be hit by a pitch. He then would steal second to put himself into scoring position. Lead off man,  Zack Mathis paints the line down right field just out the stretch of Bulldog first baseman for a RBI, two out triple to extend the Tigers lead to 7-0.  


    6th INNING RECAP:
       Mainieri would go to the bullpen, calling Eric Walker in to pitch to start the 6th.  After allowing Louisiana Tech to plate a run, Mathew Beck would replace Walker to get the Tigers out of the top of the sixth inning leading now, 7-1. 
       The Tigers would go quietly in the bottom of the inning, as Louisiana Tech would sit down three straight LSU batters after allowing the lead off hitter on with an error. 


    7th INNING RECAP:
        Mathew Beck would return and record a quick three up-three down inning.
       LSU would lead off the bottom of the frame with back to back walks, but would come away scoreless after the Bulldogs would turn a double play to end the Tigers scoring threat.    


    8th INNING RECAP:
        The Tigers would send their 7th arm to the mound on the night, as Nick Storz stepped in to take over.   It wouldn’t take long as he handles business only facing three hitters for a three up-three down inning.
       LSU would be unable to add any insurance runs during their final at bat of the contest as we would head to the ninth inning


    9th INNING REACP:   
       With a 7-1 lead LSU would call on closer Devin Fontenot to get the final three outs.     Fonenot would give up a hit by the way of a single to center, then would issue a walk. Next three Bulldogs would ground out, fly out, and strike out to end the game. 
       
       The Tigers improve to (6-3) on the season, while Louisiana Tech falls to (5-3).    Brandon Kaminer would earn the win (1-0).   LSU's offensive leader of the game would be Zack Mathis as he went 3-5 with 2 RBIs. 
       Next up for LSU will be a trip Houston, TX to compete in the "Shriners Hospital for Children College Classic" as they will take on, Texas, Baylor, and Oklahoma




2/26/2020
By: Jordan Taylor
Da Boot Sports!

​

2/23/2020
By: Jordan Taylor
Da Boot Sports!




      BATON ROUGE:  Baseball at the Box early addition! Happy Mardis Gras to all our readers! Geaux Tigers!
      Stadium lights will not be required to wrap up this series today as both teams will step between the painted white lines for a 11:00 am first pitch. South Louisiana has played it’s tricks the last few days here at the box.  Freezing on Friday night, then beautiful sky’s a day ago,and now a short sleeve cool breeze kinda Sunday morning.
      The Tigers will look to win their second series of the season today as we are treated to a rubber match after both teams snagged a win this weekend.
      LSU (4-3), will send  Sophomore, AJ Labas to the rubber today to try and slow down a scrappy Colonels lineup. The Colonels (4-1), will send Junior, Jake Lewis to the mound to face a LSU line up still searching for an identity.
      The Tigers will look to climb out of their hitting woes today in game three as they are ranked last in the SEC in team batting.


    1st INNING::
        AJ Labas would take the ball from the head umpire and would quicly strike out the lead off man.  Two pitches later he would get out number two on a fly out to left field.  Out number three would come on a fly out to Cabrera in right field, for a three up-three down inning.
       Paul Mainieri would continue to try to find a solid lineup.  Zack Mathis would lead off for the Tigers and reach base after being hit by pitch. Alex Milazzo would reach first base on a fielder's choice, as the Colonels would take out the force out at second for out number one.  Up next, Daniel Cabrera would come through with a single to right field. Great base running by  Mathis would land him at third, setting up runners at the corners for Saul Garza. Garza would do his job and hit a liner straight to the center fielder, scoring Mathis for a RBI giving the Tigers a 1-0 lead.  Cabrera would steal second base and it would pay off as Cade Beloso would blast a single to send him home. Eastern Kentucky Pitcher, Jake Lewis would force a pop up for the final out, as the fitst inning would end with LSU up, 2-0.    


    2nd INNING:: 
       Labas would give up an infield single to the Colonels' lead off batter.  Eastern Kentucky would then try a bunt. Alex Millazzo would fire down to second to get the lead runner. Drew Bianco would then make a play worthy of a Sports Center Top Ten highlight, as he would make a sensational catch, then would quickly get the ball in to double up the runner at first base to end the top of the second inning.   
      LSU unfortunately couldn't feed off the momentum of the double play, as they would go quickly in the bottom of the frame,  three up-three down. 


   3rd INNING: 
       AJ Labas would go back to work in the third, getting the Eastern Kentucky batters out quickly, three up-three down, by forcing a ground out and fanning two. After three inings, Labas had only faced nine batters, striking out three, on only 26 pitches.
      It would be back to the top of the order for the Tigers as team batting average leader, Zack Mathis would lead off with a single.  Milazzo would follow and drive a single to right field to put two runners on with no outs. Three hits in a row is something this year's LSU team is unfamiliar with, as Cabrera drives a single to right field to load the bases. Saul Garza showed great patience at the plate and would draw a walk on five pitches, sending Mathis home for a  3-0 lead. With the bases still loaded and no outs, Beloso would bust the game wide open with a two RBI single to right field giving LSU a 5-0 lead.  Beloso would take second on the throw. The hit parade would continue as Maurice Hampton Jr. would hit a RBI single to left field to increase the Tigers' lead and chase the Colonels starting pitcher. Hampton would safely steal second base, setting up Drew Bianco at the plate.  The fireworks would continue as Bianco would reach safely on an error,  that would also send two more runners home running the score to 8-0. LSU would plate on more run before Eastern Kentucky could register the final out to stop the bleeding, as we would go to the fourth with the Tigers holding a 9-0 lead.  


    4th INNING:: 
       Eastern Kentucky would manage to get the lead off batter on to start the fourth inning. But Labas would sit down the next three Colonels' batters to send us to the bottom of the inning.
      Alex Milazzo would lead off the 4th for LSU and draw a walk. After Cabrera and Garza would both go down on strikes. Cade Beloso would rope a single to right center.  The Tigers were able to take advantage of two errors on the play by Colonels' second baseman to add another run on the board. We would head to the fifth inning with LSU up, 10-0.


    5th INNING:: 
       AJ Labas continued to pitch at a high level, during his second outing the year. He would quickly sit down the Eastern Kentucky batters in order, three up-three down.
       Eastern Kentucky pitcher, Julian Jackson would manage to quietly get the Tigers out, three up-three down to send us to the sixth inning.


    6th INNING:: 
       Labas would take the mound for his 6th inning of work. But would walk the lead off batter.   After recording the first out of the inning, Nick Howie would drive a single into right field. With two runners,  Labas would get his second out with a fly out to Hampton in center. AJ Lewis would step to the plate and rip a double down the right field line, scoring two runs for the Colonels. The top of the inning would end with the score, 10-2, LSU.
     After Mathis and Travinski would both fail to reach base, Daniel Cabrera would walk. A wild pitch would send Cabrera into scoring position. Saul Garza would be unable to come up with a timely hit as Cabrera would be left on base to end the sixth.


    7th INNING:: 
       Labas would show no sign of slowing down in the seventh inning, as Eastern Kentucky would go up and down in order. Labas' third three up-three down inning of the game.
       Belso, who was 3-3 so far on the day, would walk on five pitches. Next would come a  scary moment in the game, as Gavin Dugas would take a pitch in the head. Dugas, would need to leave the contest. Hal Hughes would step in to run in his place. The Tigers would leave the two runners on after three straight outs.


    8th INNING:: 
       That would be it for AJ Labas after a stellar performance of going 7 innings, 4 Hits, 2 Runs, 1 BB, 6 K’S, on 76 pitches thrown.  Brandon Kaminer would start the 8th inning for the Tigers and pick up where Labas left off, putting the Colonels' batters up and down in order, three up-three down.  
       The Tigers would send the top of the order to the plate.  Mathis leads          leadoff walk. Fly out to right field for out number one. Cabrera gets fooled and goes down swinging for out number one. Wild pitch moves the runner into scoring position. Garza is the victim for the third out as he goes down swinging.


    9th INNING::   
        Jacob Hasty would come into the game to get the final three outs of the game. 


        LSU would win the rubber match by the final score of 10-2, to go 5-3 on the season, while Eastern Kentucky falls to 4-2.   
        AJ Labas would earn the win (1-1)LP-Jake Lewis (1-1) LSU's offensive leader of the game would be Cade Beloso, as he went 3-3 with 3 RBIs. 
       Next up, the Tigers will host Louisiana Tech on Wednesday, February 26 at 6:30pm.  

​

2/22/2020
By: Terrill J. Weil
Da Boot Sports!




     BATON ROUGE: With the 2020 LSU Baseball team off to a rocky 3-3 start, Head Coach Paul Mainieri has made some more changes to the starting lineup, looking to find the right combination that will get these group of young men headed in the right direction. The big problem thus far has been the hitting, as the Tigers have struggled at the plate. LSU will look to snap their two game losing streak as they host Eastern Kentucky for game two of their three game series. The Colonels won game one, 2-0 on Friday night. 


    1st INNING:
       Landon Marceaux would take the mound for LSU and would only face four batters in the inning, stranding a base runner who made it to first safely on a fielding error by Cade Doughty. The outs coming in the form of two ground outs and a strike out.
       Zack Mathis would lead off for the Tigers and smash a ball down into the right field corner as he would end up at second base with a double. Cade Doughty would ground out to short stop for out number one. Then Daniel Cabrera would step up to the plate and launch his first home run of the 2020 season, putting LSU up 2-0. Colonels pitcher, Jacob Ferris would get the next two Tigers out to end the first inning of play. 


    2nd INNING:
       After a lead off strike out, Daniel Harris would single up the middle, then advance to second on a Marceaux wild pitch. Marceaux would then stike out Michael Brewer. The Tigers would get out number three when LSU catcher, Alex Milazzo would gun down Harris at second base after taking too large of a lead. 
       LSU would go quietly in the bottom of the inning, three up-three down. 


    3rd INNING:
        Marceaux would pitch another strong inning. After Charles Ludwick would lead off for the Colonels and make it to first base on the second fielding error by LSU second baseman, Cade Doughty, Marceaux would retire the next three batter quickly to get out of the top of the third.
       The Tigers once again would geaux down quietly in the bottom of the inning. After Zack Mathis would single up the middle with one out, then reach second on a wild pitch, CJ Willis and Daniel Cabrera would fail to bring him in. We would head to the fourth inning with the Tigers still up, 2-0. 
           
     4th INNING:
       Landon Marceaux and the LSU defense would sit down the Colonels' batters, one, two, three quickly to send us to the bottom of the fourth inning.
      After giving up the two runs to LSU in the first inning, Eastern Kentucky pitcher, Jacob Ferris continued to pitch well against the Tiger batters, as he would get them three up- three down to end the fourth inning.


    5th INNING:
       Marceaux would start the fifth inning and continue to pitch nasty to the Colonels' batters, as Eastern Kentucky would go three up-three down for the second straight inning. 
       LSU would get the lead off man on base as Giovanni DiGiacomo would single up the middle to center field, then steal second base safely a couple of pitches later. But the Tigers still couldn't manage to string multiple hits together, as Sanford, Cranford, and Mathis would fail to reach base or advance DiGiacomo, leaving him on base to end the fifth inning.


    6th INNING: 
       The first two Colonels batters would ground out, before Chris Botsoe would rocket a single up the middle. LSU would record the third out of the inning, as they would catch Botsoe in a rundown after attempting to steal, tagging him out as he tried to dive back to first base.
       Ferris would keep the Tigers handcuffed, as he would strike out all three LSU batters, three up-three down to send the game to the seventh inning. 


    7th INNING:
       AJ Lewis would start the inning off with a lead off single. After Marceaux would get the next batter to fly out for the first out, Logan Thomason would crank a ball into the gap in right center field for a double. Daniel Cabrera's quick throw back into the infield would hold Lewis at third base. With two runners in scoring position, and only one down, Marceaux would step his game back up and retire the next two batters to end the Eastern Kentucky scoring threat. 
       Ferris would take the Tigers down in order quickly, three up-three down to end the seventh.


    8th INNING:
       The top of the eighth inning would see the Colonels' batters go three up-three down to quickly sending LSU back to the dugout, as Landon Marceaux continued to pitch at a high level.
       Jacob Ferris would start the inning where he left off, as he would easily retire the first two Tigers who stepped up to the plate. But would suddenly seem to run out of gas as he would walk Zack Mathis, then Gavin Dugas would single to left field, chasing him from the game, as he would be relieved by RHP, Jacob Abbott. With runners on first and second, two outs, Daniel Cabrera would step to the plate with a huge opportunity to punch insurance runs across the plate. Abbott would walk Cabrera to load the bases, setting up Saul Garza. Abbott would continue to struggle to find the strike zone, as he would walk Garza, bringing Mathis home for a 3-0 lead. Beloso would come up  to bat next and would ignite the Alex Box Stadium crowd with a three RBI single into the deep right field corner, clearing the bases. The 6-0 score would send Abbott to the bench as Eastern Kentucky would again make a pitching change. Nick Borek would take the mound to try and record the final out of the eighth inning, and that he would do, as Saul Garza would fly out to center field.
    9th INNING:
       Senior Aaron George would enter the game to replace Marceaux, and found out that  Eastern Kentucky wouldn't go away quietly. George would walk the first two batters of the inning. Then, Caleb Upshaw would single to left field scoring the Colonels first run of the day from second base. George would then throw a wild pitch, allowing the runners to advance to second and third. Logan Thomason would single to bring in another run. Mainieri would quickly call to the bullpen to bring in Junior, Devin Fontenot to try to stop the Colonels rally attempt. With the score, 6-2, runners on second and third, and still zero outs, Fontenot would get Daniel Harris to ground out for out number one, but another run would cross the plate, with a runner advancing the third base. Pinch hitter, Christian Lucio would strike out swinging. Then with the crowd on their feet cheering, Fontenot would strike out Charles Ludwick for the final out. Tigers Win! Final Score 6-3. 
      Landon Marceaux (1-1) had a very solid performance as he would go eight innings, with six strike outs.  Devin Fontenot would record his second save of the season. 
      Next up, the Tigers will play Eastern Kentucky in the series rubber match on Sunday morning, first pitch is for 11am.  With the victory LSU is now 4-3 on the season, while Eastern Kentucky falls to 4-1.  

2/21/2020
By: Terrill J. Weil
​Da Boot Sports!



      BATON ROUGE: The Tigers would look to bounce back from their upset loss to Nicholls State on Wednesday night, but would continue to struggle badly at the plate, as they fall to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels, 2-0 in game one of their three game weekend series. 

    1st INNING:
       Cole Henry would start the game for the Tigers, and was solid as he took the Colonels down in order, three up- three down to take us quickly to the bottom of the inning.
      Eastern Kentucky starting pitcher, Kelly Brennan would also have a strong first inning on the mound, as he would get the Tigers three up- three down quietly. 


    2nd INNING:
       Henry would again quickly sit each Colonels batter down in order, with another three up- three down inning. 
       LSU would continue to struggle at the plate as they would go quietly three up- three down for the second straight inning, as the ball game would begin to start shaping up as a pitchers duel. 


    3rd INNING:
      Eastern Kentucky's Charles Ludwick would lead off the top of the inning with a walk, then would reach second base on a successful sacrifice bunt by Michael Brewer. Henry would then walk, Christian Lucio to put runners at first and second with only one out. Nick Howie would come up next to the plate and single to left field. Wes Toups would quickly get the ball back into the infield to keep a run from scoring, as the bases would now be loaded with one down. Henry would strike out Chris Botsoe for the second out. AJ Lewis would then hit an infield single to plate a run for the Colonels. With the bases still loaded, Cole Henry would get Coleb Henry to ground out in a fielder's choice to second base to get the Tigers out of the top of the third inning with Eastern Kentucky up, 1-0.
       Kelly Brennan would continue to handcuff the Tigers, as he would now have retired nine in a row. LSU once again going three up- three down to end the third inning of play. 


    4th INNING:
       Henry would once again issue a lead off walk to start the inning. After recording the first out of the inning on a fly ball to center field, Alex Milazzo would gun down Logan Thompson attempting to steal second base for out number two. Henry would dig down and strike out Charles Ludwick to send us to the bottom of the fourth inning.
       LSU bats would remain as cold as the weather as they could only manage a Daniel Cabrera walk, but would leave him stranded  to end the 4th.


    5th INNING:
       Cole Henry would continue to struggle. Brewer for the Colonels would lead off the inning with a single to left field, then would move up to second in scoring position. Nick Howie would then step up to the plate and bring Brewer home with a single through the right side og the Tiger infield to put Eastern Kentucky up, 2-0. Henry would settle down and get the next two Colonels' batters to fly out to stop the bleeding. 
       LSU would finally show a sign of life at the plate to start the fifth inning as Cade Beloso would rip a lead off single to right field. Followed by a walk by Milazzo. With two on and no outs, Maurice Hampton would fly out to very deep left field.  Wes Toups would draw a walk to load the bases, setting up Hal Hughes with a big opportunity at the plate. Eastern Kentucky would then pull Kelly Brennan for Junior,  Louis Davenport. The pitching change would look to pay off as Davenport would strike out Hughes, then force Cade Doughty to fly out to left field as the Tigers would leave the sacks loaded to end the fifth inning. 


    6th INNING:
       Jaden Hill would replace Cole Henry to start the sixth inning, and would take the Colonels down in order, three up- three down, sending the Tigers back to the dugout and back up to the plate.
       With the Tigers desperately needing base runners, Daniel Cabrera would draw a lead off walk. But Cabrera would be left on first base as no help from his teammates would surface. Both teams would head to the seventh inning with the score still, Eastern Kebtucky 2, LSU 0.


    7th INNING:
       Hill would return to face the Colonels to start the seventh inning. Eastern Kentucky would threaten to extend their 2-0 lead as they would position runners at second and third with two outs. Everyone in the park would hold their breathe, as Chris Botsoe would hit a deep fly ball to left field, that Wes Toups would catch up against the wall to get the Tigers out of the inning with no damage done.
       For the second straight inning, the Tigers would get the lead off hitter on base via a walk. For the second straight inning the LSU base runner, Alex Milazzo would be left stranded to end the inning, as the next three Tigers batters would show no sign of a pulse at the Plate. 


    8th INNING:
       Jaden Hill would start to struggle, as AJ Lewis would drive the ball into the gap in left center field to end up with a lead off double. After recording the first out of the inning, Hill would then walk Logan Thomason.   Hill would battle to get the second out of the inning, striking out Daniel Harris.  Coach Mainieri would then go to the dugout to bring in Mathew Beck. Beck would quickly record the last out of the inning to once again keep LSU within striking distance. 
      For the third straight inning LSU would manage to get their lead off hitter on base by drawing a walk. After reaching base on a fielders choice, Daniel Cabrera would then advance to second base as Saul Garza would single up the middle. But Cade Beloso would then ground out to short stop to end the scoring threat. 


    9th INNING:
       Mathew Beck would stay in and start the ninth inning for LSU, and would quickly sit the first two batters down before hitting Nick Howie to give the Colonels a runner on base. Frustration would continue to mount as Beck would walk Botsoe, bringing up red hot AJ Lewis to the plate. Lewis would ground out to second base to end the top of the ninth.
       LSU would look for ninth inning heroics as they would now find themselves down to their final three outs. Alex Milazzo would lead off for the Tigers, but ground out to first base. Maurice Hampton Jr., who has been quiet all night long, would step up next and would come through with a single right up the middle over the second base bag, giving LSU a sign of life. Wes Toups would strike out looking. Gavin Dugas would pinch hit and try to keep the inning going. Dugas would walk, setting up Cade Doughty with the next Tiger with an opportunity to win the ball game. With runners on first and second and two outs, Eastern Kentucky would go to their bullpen for another pitching change. Jacob Abbott would be their fifth pitcher used in the ball game. Abbott would get the job done, as he would strike out Doughty to end a long, frustrating baseball game.
      With the loss, LSU is now 3-3 on the season. Eastern Kentucky improves to 4-0. Cole Henry (1-1) would suffer the loss.  Next up for LSU will host game two against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday at 3pm. 
       
       
       

2/19/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net
By: Garret Sulak
     


      THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls scored a run in the bottom of the first inning Wednesday night at Ray E. Didier Field and never relinquished the lead as the Colonels defeated LSU in the midweek matchup, 4-2.
      LSU dropped to 3-2 on the season, while Nicholls improved to 1-3.
      The Tigers are back in action Friday night at Alex Box Stadium as they host Eastern Kentucky for a three-game weekend series. The first pitch for Friday's game is set for 7 p.m. CT. The game will be available through the SEC Network+. Fans can also listen on 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge or on LSUsports.net/live.
      "It obviously was not a very good performance for us," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "Their left-hander did a very nice job, he was very crafty and kept us off balance. We didn't make the adjustments necessary to be effective against him.
      "It is early in the season, and we're taking these opportunities to find out about our players. Some guys are going to take advantage of opportunities and some guys aren't, and the only way to find out is to keep running guys out there."
      Nicholls starter Tyler Theriot (1-1) earned the win in 5.1 innings of work. The lefty had seven strikeouts and allowed just two hits. Nicholls reliever Joe Taylor picked up the save as he pitched the ninth inning and recorded a strikeout.
      Nicholls grabbed a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning. Centerfielder Xane Washington hit a leadoff single down the right field line and then stole second. Washington then moved to third as designated hitter Brayden Jobert lined out to centerfielder Maurice Hampton Jr.
      Washington scored on a sac fly to center by left fielder Mason Turner to give Nicholls the 1-0 advantage. The Colonels added another run in the bottom of the fifth to take a 2-0 lead as Washington scored from third on an RBI single to right by Jobert. Washington set up the play by drawing a one-out walk and then advancing to third on a single from right fielder Dane Simon.
      LSU shortstop Zack Mathis drew a leadoff walk to start the top of the sixth inning. First baseman Cade Beloso then reached first on an error by the first baseman Adam Tarver. The error moved Mathis to second, and then moved toward third on a wild pitch and scored on an error by catcher Erick Hernandez to cut into the Nicholls lead, 2-1.
      Nicholls second baseman Nathan Tribble scored from third on a passed ball in the sixth inning extending the Nicholls lead back to two runs, 3-1. Tribble reached on a single and then advanced to second on an error by second baseman Cade Doughty. Later in the inning, Tribble stole third and scored on a passed ball.
      Jobert launched a solo shot over the right field wall in the seventh inning to give the Colonels a 4-1 advantage.
      The Tigers added one more run in the top of the ninth on a sac fly from right fielder Daniel Cabrera that scored Hampton Jr. from third.
      LSU starting pitcher Eric Walker (0-1) was charged with the loss, as he worked 2.2 innings, allowing a hit and three walks with two strikeouts.
      Aaron George, Trent Vietmeier and Rye Gunter made relief appearances for LSU. George fired 2.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits and collecting a career high five strikeouts. Vietmeier tossed 1.1 innings, allowing two runs, one unearned on three hits. Gunter worked 1.2 innings and picked up two strikeouts.


       Tickets for the 2020 LSU Baseball season are now on sale through the LSU Ticket Office and online at LSUtix.net. For more information on the 2020 baseball schedule, click here, or call (225) 578-0100.
       For all of the latest news and information on Tiger Baseball, visit LSUsports.net/baseball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at Facebook.com/lsubaseball, @lsubaseball on Twitter and @lsubaseball on Instagram.




2/19/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net

2/18/2020
By: Jordan Taylor
Da Boot Sports!


      
        BATON ROUGE: LSU (2-1), would play host to the Southern Jaguars (2-2), on a gloomy afternoon at Alex Box Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.  The Tigers will start  LHP,  Brandon Kaminer, while Southern will throw,  LHP,  Khristian Paul.   Coach Paul Mainieri is immediately starting to throw together some new looks on defense to see what he can rely on going forward as five of the nine positions have been flipped or subbed in. LSU and Southern split their series a year ago 1-1.  So in less than a week LSU Baseball meets the Big Ten & SWAC champion from a year ago.
    1st inning::
        The left handed throwing Brandon Kaminer came out blazing, getting the first two batters out on three pitches, but then found trouble with a 4 pitch walk,  but battled out of it and Southern would leave a runner stranded.           
        Daniel Cabrera continues to prove why he was the obvious lead off for this team as the junior started the bottom of the inning with a double to right center. Cade Doughty would see just two pitches and quickly line out to left field. A patient Zack Mathis would draw a five pitch walk. putting runners one first and second.  Then Saul Garz would step up to the plate with a  RBI opportunity, but would roll over into a 4-6-3 double play to end the threat.  


    2nd inning::
        Back to work, Kaminer would go with a four pitch strike out to begin the top of the second. The next batter would hit a soft ground ball to Doughty at 3rd, but a wild throw to first would let Bubba Thompson reach safely.  Brad Jenkings stepped in and cranked a single to center field. First pitch after the error/single would be a wild throw that would move both runners up into scoring position. Southern would have a RBI opportunity and would come through, with a bloop single to right as the Jags would take the 1-0 lead, with runners moving to first and third with only one out. The 9th batter in the line up, Frankie Montesino would then deliver a sac fly to left field to give Southern a 2-0 lead.   Kaminer would get out the inning with a fly out to Hampton in center.
       LSU would start the bottom of the inning looking to dig out of an early hole, would send 5, 6, and 7 in their order to the plate. Red hot Cade Beloso step up and would pop up to first base for out number one.  Maurice Hapton Jr would see his first plate appearance, but would ground out back to the pitcher for out number two. Freshman Catcher Alex Milazzo steps up with a two out single to left, but the next batter, Drew Bianco would ground out to end the inning.


    3rd inning::
       LSU would close the book on starter Brandon Kaminer, as his first start of the season was not what pitching coach Alan Dunn had in mind. The call to the pen would bring in hard throwing right hander,  Ma’Khail Hilliard to begin the 3rd inning. Hilliard would make quick work of the first batter he faced by sending Javonte Dorrias packing with a strike out. Hilliard got into some trouble with walking the next batter, then would throw a wild pitch sending the runner into scoring position at second. Davis would then ground out for a fielder’s choice as the Tigers would go 6-5-4 to get the lead out. Hilliard would then find a ground ball pitch to get out the inning with a 3-1 putout. 
      Mykel Page would be back out for his second inning of work and would lead off the bottom of the inning by drilling Gavin Dugas with a pitch, sending him to first base. The Tigers would get back to the top of their line up as Daniel Cabrera worked the count to get a free pass.  The walk would  put two runners on base with no outs.  Cade Doughty would fly out for out number one, as Cabrera would move up on the tag. With runners on the corners Zach Mathis, the transfer out of California, would step up to the plate.  Dugas would steal on a breaking ball in the dirt, setting up runners on second and third.  Zack would come through with a RBI sacrifice fly to left field that would score Cabrera to make it 2-1 Southern.  Saul Garza stepped in and would deliever a RBI single to center field, sending Dugas charging home to tie the game up at 2-2. The hits kept rolling as Cade Beloso would line a RBI triple just out of the reach of the right fielder to score Garza, giving LSU their first lead of the game, 3-2.  Maurice Hampton would step into the box next, but would hit it a hard shot straight to the short stop for the 6-3 put out to end the inning.


    4th inning::
       Mainieri would bring in sophomore RHP Nick Storz to start the fourth inning.  The Jags tried to catch the tigers sleeping and on the first pitch as  Bubba Thompson would lay down a bunt for a single. On the next pitch, Southern would attempt a second straight bunt,  the sacrifice would work as the runner would advance to second base.   Nick Storz would work ahead in the count and would get a ground ball,  4-3 for out number two. The Jaguar runner would advance to third on the play. A four pitch walk would keep the inning alive for Southern as runners hit the corners with two outs. The Tigers would get out the inning with a ground ball to Mathis for the force at second 6-4. 
    Alex Milazzo would fly out to center field to begin the bottom half of the fourth inning. Drew Bianco would follow with a pop up to the third baseman for out number two. Just when the Jags thought they were going to have a quick inning and get back in the dugout,  Gavin Dugas says hello to the left field score board with his first home run of the season to extend the Tigers the lead to 4-2.  The Jags would then elect to pitch careful to Cabrera,  walking him to first base.  Doughty would ground out to end the inning. 


    5th inning::
       Back to his second inning of work, Nick Storz would strike out the first batter up on three pitches. With very minimum pitches thrown, he would then get the next two Jaguars to fly out for a 3 up-3 down inning.   
       Zack Mathis would lead off the bottom of the inning by ripping a single to right field. Then  on a wild pitch would move up to second base.  DH, Saul Garza would then hit a towering two run bomb to left field for his second home run of the season to give the Tigers a 6-2 lead.   


    6th inning:: 
       Nick Storz would continue to pitch well into his third inning, facing only four Jaguars at the plate, retiring three straight after giving up a lead off single.
        Gavin Dugas would lead off for the Tigers, drawing a five pitch walk to begin the bottom half of the 6th.  in steps Mathis who would single, setting up runners on the corners.  Garza would then step up and slice a RBI single right by the outstretched glove of the short stop to give the Tigers a 7-2 lead.


    7th inning::
       Senior Mathew Beck would relieve Nick Stroz to start the seventh inning.  Beck would face only four Southern batters,  sending us to the 7th inning stretch. #0
     After Southern would record two quick outs, Drew Bianco would keep the inning alive by drawing a walk, then stealing second on a pitch in the dirt. Dugas would walk, putting two runners on, as the top of the Tigers line up would role up. However, the Tigers would leave them stranded, as Daniel Cabrera would fly out to end the seventh inning.


    8th inning::
         Beck would only face four Southern batters at the plate, as he would send the game in to the bottom of the 8th inning quickly. 
       Southern would manage to record outs against the first two Tigers to come up to the plate. Then Hayden Travinski would be inserted to pinch hit for Saul Garza.  Travinski would respond with a thundering loud solo homerun to right field to extend LSU's lead to 8-2, as we would head to the final inning of the ball game.
   
    9th Inning::
        Soph Chase Costello will take over on the mound in the 9th to try and close things out. But the Jaguars would show some fight as Derek Mayes would lead off with a double. Jahil Hendricks would then single to right field to put runners on the corners. Costello would then issue a walk to load the bases. Southern would manage to push a run across the plate before the Tigerswould retire the side and end the ball game with a 8-3 victory.  Ma’Khail Hilliard (1-0), would earn the win fir the Tigers.  Mainieri would use five arms tonight.  LSU used the long ball tonight and emptied the bench to get guys in the line up to gain some game experience.  With the win LSU is now 3-1.
       Next up, LSU will travel to Thibodaux on Wednesday to take on Nicholls State, before they return back home to the Box for a three game weekend series with Eastern Kentucky. 

​

2/15/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net
By: Garret Sulak | Communications Student Assistant




       BATON ROUGE, La. – No. 11 LSU and Indiana split a doubleheader Saturday in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. The Tigers posted a 7-4 victory in the first game to claim the series win, and Indiana prevailed in the second game, 7-2 to avoid the series sweep. LSU is now 2-1 on the season, while Indiana moves to 1-2.
      The Tigers are back in action Tuesday against Southern in Alex Box Stadium Field. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. CT, and the game will be available on SEC Network+ and on 100.7 FM in Baton Rouge.
      "Indiana's got a really good club, they're the defending Big Ten champions, and they ran out a lot of really good arms against us," said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. "Overall for the weekend, we won two games, we pitched 15 different guys over the course of the series, and we learned a lot about our team. That's what you do at this time of the year; sometimes you have to suffer setbacks in order to learn which guys you can count on.
      Our kids played very hard, we won two out of three, and we've got a big week coming up beginning on Tuesday with Southern."


GAME 1 RECAP::::
      Indiana took the early lead as the Hoosiers put up one run in the top of the first. Centerfielder Grant Richardson hit a one-out triple to right center, then scored on a sac fly from third baseman Cole Barr.
      The Tigers would not trail for long as first baseman Cade Beloso hit an RBI single to left that scored second baseman Cade Doughty.
      LSU added two runs in the bottom of the second to take the lead. Left fielder Drew Bianco and centerfielder Giovanni DiGiacomo drew back-to-back one-out walks. Catcher Alex Milazzo then reached on a fielding error by shortstop Jeremy Houston. Bianco scored the unearned run and DiGiacomo moved over to third.
      Shortstop Hal Hughes hit a sac fly to center that scored DiGiacomo and gave LSU a 3-1 cushion.
      The Tigers put up another two-spot in the fourth as designated hitter Saul Garza hit a leadoff single through the right side. Bianco then laid down a successful bunt for a base hit that put two runners on with no outs.
      A sacrifice from DiGiacomo moved Garza to third and Bianco to second. Milazzo then hit a grounder that scored Garza from third and moved Bianco to third. Hughes followed with an RBI single to right that scored Bianco and gave LSU the 5-1 advantage.
      Indiana responded in the top of the fifth with a two-run homer off the bat of Barr. Richardson set up the play with a one-out single to left. The Hoosiers also added another run in the eighth as catcher Collin Hopkins scored on an RBI single from second baseman Drew Ashley.
      LSU would add two more runs in the bottom of the eighth to seal the win. Beloso doubled to start the inning and Garza followed with a walk. Milazzo then doubled to left-center to score Beloso and pinch runner Mitchell Sanford, extending the LSU lead to 7-4.
      Four pitchers combined in the LSU victory. Trent Vietmeier (1-0) earned the win as he worked 1.2 innings and recorded two strikeouts. Devin Fontenot was awarded the save as he fired two innings, allowing one run on three hits with two strikeouts.
      Landon Marceaux started the game and tossed 4.1 innings, picking up two strikeouts while allowing three runs on six hits. Nick Storz pitched one inning of relief and allowed one hit.
      Indiana's Gabe Bierman (0-1) was charged with the loss as he worked five innings, allowing five runs on seven hits. He recorded two strikeouts and walked two batters.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


GAME 2 RECAP::::
        Indiana plated the first run of the game in the top of the third inning. Right fielder Hunter Jessee hit a one-out triple to center and centerfielder Grant Richardson hit a sac fly to deep center that scored Jessee and gave Indiana a 1-0 lead.
      The Hoosiers added two more runs in the fifth. Shortstop Jeremy Houston and Jessee reached on back-to-back singles. Catcher Drew Ashley hit a sac fly to left that scored Houston from third. Richardson followed with a double to left-center that scored Jessee and gave Indiana a 3-0 lead.
      The Tigers responded in the bottom of the sixth with one run. Second baseman Gavin Dugas hit a leadoff single and moved to second on a wild pitch. Rightfielder Daniel Cabrera then singled to move Dugas to third, and designated hitter Cade Doughty hit a sac fly to left, scoring Dugas. The run cut Indiana's lead to 3-1.
      The Hoosiers added another run in the eighth on a sac fly from Collin Hopkins. Richardson set up the sac fly play after drawing a walk and moving over to third after a fielding error.
      In the ninth, Indiana added three more runs on a two-run homer to right field by Richardson and an RBI single by first baseman Jordan Fucci to take a 7-1 lead.
      LSU third baseman Zack Mathis took the first pitch of the inning and sent a solo shot over the right field wall in the bottom of the ninth.
      Eight pitchers worked in the nightcap for the Tigers. AJ Labas (0-1) got the start and worked 4.1 innings, allowing three runs on three hits. He collected four strikeouts. Jaden Hill was especially impressive in relief, firing two shutout innings with three strikeouts.
      Indiana starter Braydon Tucker (1-0) earned the win with six innings on the mound. He allowed one run on four hits and fired one strikeout.
     
      Print Friendly Version Tickets for the 2020 LSU Baseball season are now on sale through the LSU Ticket Office and online at LSUtix.net. For more information on the 2020 baseball schedule, click here, or call (225) 578-0100. For all of the latest news and information on Tiger Baseball, visit LSUsports.net/baseball. Fans can also follow the program on its social media outlets at Facebook.com/lsubaseball, @lsubaseball on Twitter and @lsubaseball on Instagram.


2/15/2020
Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net

​

 2/14/2020
By: Terrill J. Weil
​Da Boot Sports!




      It's that time of the year. LSU Baseball season is here. The 2019 Tigers (40-26) just fell short of returning to the College World Series, as they would lose to Florida State in the 12 inning,  5-4 in walk off fashion, during game three of the Baton Rouge Super-Regional.
      In 2020, LSU will have several young, new faces in the starting lineup as they will battle a very difficult SEC schedule, hoping to return to Omaha.  The Tigers will take on the Indiana Hoosiers from the Big Ten, in a three game series to start the season. 
      Cole Henry, who was named the Friday starter by Head Coach Paul Mainieri, would start the game by striking out Indiana's Drew Ashley on only four pitches. The Hoosiers would manage two base runner, but would strand them as Henry would strike out the side to end the top of the inning.
      Daniel Cabrera would lead off for the Tigers and wasted no time, as he would rip the first pitch from Hoosiers' pitcher, Tommy Sommers  into left field for a single. Freshman Cade Doughty would step up to the plate next, and blast a two run homer over the left field fence. Doughty would be the first Tiger to hit a homer run during his first ever career at bat in eleven years.  LSU would then leave two runners on base to end the first inning with the lead, 2-0.
      Henry would easily retire the first two batters in the top of the second, but a fielding error by short stop Hal Hughes would extend what should have been a three up- three down inning. However, Indiana's Ethan Vecrumba was thrown out trying to steal second by LSU catcher Saul Garza for the third out of the inning. 
      The Tigers would go quietly in the bottom of the second inning, three up- three down. 
      Indiana would managed two spaced out singles in the top of the third inning, but Henry had his stuff tonight and would leave the two Hoosiers on base, as he would register three strike outs to close out the Indiana third.
      LSU would find some more offense in the bottom of the the third inning. After Cabrera would strike out, Cade Doughty would draw a walk. Then Zack Mathis would single to right field. Saul Garza would step up next and rocket a home run over the left field fence. We would head to the fourth inning with the Tigers up, 5-0.
      Indiana would go quietly in the top of the fourth, three up-three down, as Henry would add two more "Ks" to his total. 
      LSU would leave Daniel Cabrera on second base after he would walk, then steal second base.  After four innings, the score remained, 5-0.        
      Mainieri would insert Lefty Brandon Kaminer for Cole Henry. Henry would finish with eight strike outs in four strong innings.  Ethan Vecrumba would reach first base safely on a fielding error by Kaminer. Then Kaminer would walk Jeremy Houston. The Tigers would get out number one, on a ground ball, but the runners would move up to second and third. Grant Richardson would then ground into a RBI fielders choice, to push a run across the plate for the Hoosiers. The top of the inning would end with LSU up 5-1. 
      LSU would not do much in their half of the fifth inning, as only four batters would go to the plate, sending us to the sixth inning of play.
      Kaminer would get the first two Hoosiers out, as they would each pop fly out. Matthew Beck would then come in to relieve Kaminer, and register the final out. 
      Hayden Travinski would lead off for the Tigers in the bottom of the sixth, flying out to center field. Drew Bianco and Hal Hughes would draw back to back walks. Then Daniel Cabrera would reach on a fielding error. A second fielding error by the Hoosiers on the play would move the runners up, scoring Bianco from third base. Cade Doughty would next walk, loading the bases. Zack Mathis would then sacrifice fly out to center field, sending Hal Hughes across the plate for a 7-1 LSU lead. 
      Mathew Beck would continue to pitch solid in his relief effort, as only four Indiana batters would get to see a pitch in the top of the seventh inning. We would go to the seventh inning stretch with the Tigers leading the Hoosiers, 7-1. 
      The Tigers would go down in order, three up- three down to end the seventh.
      Mathew Beck would sit down the first two Indiana batters, before giving way to Aaron George who would come in and strike out the side.
      The Tigers would plate another run in the bottom of the eighth. Daniel Carera would hit a double to left center field. Mitchel Sanford would pinch run for Cabrera, and score from second base on a Zack Mathis single. The Tigers would go to the final inning leading, 8-1. 
      Aaron George would stay in and complete the ball game.   #11 LSU starts the 2020 season 1-0 with a 8-1 victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in game one of the series. Cole Henry would get the win for LSU. 
      Next up the Tigers will host Indiana in a double header beginning at 1pm on Saturday due to rain in the weather forecast for Sunday.  
      
      

2/13/2020
​Story Courtesy of: LSUsports.net


      
       BATON ROUGE, La. – Due to the strong forecast of rain in Baton Rouge on Sunday, the schedule for this weekend's LSU-Indiana baseball series has been changed in the effort to play all three games.
      Game 1 of the series will be played at 7 p.m. CT Friday, as originally scheduled. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. CT, and both games will be nine-inning contests. The second game Saturday will begin 60 minutes after the conclusion of the first game.
      There will be no game played on Sunday.
      Fans should use the Game #1 ticket for Friday's game, the Game #2 ticket for Saturday's first game and the Game #3 ticket for Saturday's second game .
      The stadium will be NOT cleared in between games of Saturday's doubleheader, so both Game #2 and Game #3 tickets will be honored throughout the day. Seating priority will go to the respective game's ticket holder.
      All three games may be viewed online on SEC Network+, and game 1 on Friday may be heard on affiliates of the LSU Sports Radio Network. Due to LSU men's basketball at Alabama, Saturday's baseball games will aired locally on 100.7 FM in Baton Rouge. All LSU Baseball radio broadcasts streamed free at LSUsports.net/live.