The second-ranked LSU Tigers have won 16 in a row, and they are 21-1 overall. But LSU has not faced a difficult schedule. It ranks 245th in the country as the Tigers have only faced two teams that have a winning record.
LSU will face its biggest test of the season this weekend in Austin when they visit the 8th-ranked Texas Longhorns, who are 17-2 and had a 17-game winning streak snapped with an extra inning loss on Tuesday night to UTSA.
LSU is one of the best hitting teams in the country. Ranking third in the country in hitting with a team batting average of .345.
LSU is fourth in doubles with 59. Third in scoring, averaging 10 runs a game.
Coach Jay Johnson says this offense reminds him of his 2023 national championship game.
“There’s a relentlessness of quality at-bats, there is no break in that order, regardless of who we play, 13 guys probably at the forefront of that now, that’s pretty clear, and all of them can do whatever we need them to do, what reminds me of them (2023 national championship team) is there ability to adjust quickly, like if we are off we can get back on track,” Johnson said.
LSU will be challenged by a Texas pitching staff that has a team ERA of 3.22, tenth best in the country.
The Longhorns will start a left-hander Friday and Saturday. That means LSU will face five straight left-handed starting pitchers in SEC play.
That means Michael Braswell will start at third base and Ethan Frey will also likely start on Friday and Saturday.
On Friday night, LSU will face Indiana State transfer Jared Spencer. He’s been very good, a 2-0 record with a 2.36 ERA, 36 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched. Spencer got touched up in the SEC opener last week as he allowed five runs in 5.2 innings.
Saturday’s Starter for Texas is Luke Harrison, who is 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA. He’s a junior who was a reliever up until this season. Walks have been an issue in his last two starts, seven walks in seven innings.
Texas has three outstanding relievers…Dylan Volantis, Andre Duplantier and Max Grubbs. Grubbs is 1-0 in seven appearances with a 0.98 ERA and four saves.
LSU will go with its regular weekend rotation. Kade Anderson, Anthony Eyanson and Chase Shores.
Daniel Dickinson’s Mom part of his success
LSU second baseman Daniel Dickinson has been a model of consistency,
In his freshman season at Utah Valley, he hit .372. Last year he hit .367. And this year he’s hitting .368.
Dickson says he stays sharp by watching video of his swing and his camera person is his mom!
“My mom has never missed a game that I ever played,” Dickinson said. “She always videos my at-bats and so you’ll see her sit up in the parents’ section, videoing my at-bats still, so sometimes I use those and at Utah Valley I used those, so I’m not really a metrics guy, I’m a guy who watches videos and I’m pretty good at feeling out my swing,” Dickinson said.
