It’s May 1st, and usually at this time of year, there is anticipation of the Tigers making a run for Omaha.
But with LSU staring at a 6-15 league record and mired in a program-first, nine-game SEC losing streak, the focus has turned more to 2027.
However, with LSU hosting a 22-24 South Carolina team, there’s a chance the Tigers can win a couple of games and give themselves an outside shot at making a late-season push for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
“The season is not over,” said coach Jay Johnson. “We are where we are; we’ve had 46 games, and we have accountability for that. But we still have 10 more games in the regular season, and I’ve seen things change quicker. We’re playing teams that if you win, you can get a bump from it.”
LSU is coming off a heartbreaking series in Starkville, where the Tigers led in each game, only to lose and be swept for the third consecutive weekend.
“We haven’t been able to get over the hump in close games, which has been our staple,” said Jay Johnson. “Your season is going to be determined by how you play in close games, and we haven’t been on the right side of that. But I think we’re moving in a direction where we’re not as far away from winning those games.”
LSU was supposed to see an old friend this weekend as former LSU coach Paul Mainieri is now a former South Carolina coach. The Gamecocks relieved the Hall of Fame coach of his duties on March 21st.
The Gamecocks have played better under interim head coach Monte Lee, as USC has won two of its last three SEC series.
Something will have to give this weekend. South Carolina has the worst team batting average in the SEC at .245. LSU has the highest team ERA in the SEC at 5.32.
Even though LSU’s skipper said he’s not giving up on this season, he’s also getting a look at 2027 by playing several freshmen, and why not? These guys are producing.
LSU first baseman Mason Braun is LSU’s top hitter in SEC games, hitting .348 (16-for-46). Braun had a four-hit game last Sunday against Mississippi State.
Catcher/designated hitter Omar Serna is second on the team in SEC play, hitting .333 (24-for-72). Serna put on a show in Starkville, hitting a home run in all the games while also driving in six runs and scoring six times.
Freshman second baseman Jack Ruckert is coming off a two-hit, two-double performance in Tuesday’s win over Southeastern Louisiana. And freshman right fielder William Patrick had 2 RBIs in the win over the Lions.
Also, freshman right-hander Marcos Paz will get another start this weekend. Paz is scheduled to start on Saturday. Sophomore right-hander William Schmidt will pitch on Friday.
Regular Friday night starter Casan Evans has been ruled out for this weekend after missing his start last weekend with arm soreness.
Left fielder Chris Stanfield, third baseman John Pearson, and first baseman Zach Yorke are all listed as questionable.
Rain is in the forecast for Friday night, so there’s a chance of a doubleheader on Saturday.
Also on Saturday, LSU will honor the 1996 National Championship team, which beat Miami in dramatic fashion in the national title game thanks to Warren Morris’ exhilarating home run.
