You don’t see many must win series in late March. But for the LSU baseball team, it feels like this series against Kentucky is one that you got to win.
LSU is 2-4 in SEC play, and this is the Tigers second straight weekend at home, and you can’t afford to drop both series, after losing two of three to Oklahoma last weekend.
Here are the five key storylines heading into this series.
- Clutch hitting
In LSU’s 15-to-5 win over Louisiana Tech on Tuesday, the Tigers had nine 2-out RBIs. The clutch hits have been tough to get for LSU since starting 8-0, maybe the tide is turning.
- Extra-base hits
The other big positive in the win over Louisiana Tech was Zach Yorke’s two home runs and the two doubles hit by Derek Curiel. Curiel had just eight extra base hits on the season heading into the Tech game. Driving the ball in the gap and hitting a few balls over the fence would be nice to see from the preseason first-team All-American.
Yorke’s first two home runs were his first home runs in a month. Coach Jay Johnson is hoping that one game can turn Yorke’s season around.
- Kentucky speed
The Wildcats have 70 stolen bases, so keeping Kentucky off the base paths is a key. Jayce Tharnish leads the way with 15 stolen bases.
- Classic Friday night matchup
Fun pitching matchup to open the series. LSU goes with Casan Evans on Friday after he struck out a career-high 15 last week. Evans is 2-0 with a 4.80 ERA. The Wildcats counter with senior right-hander Jaxon Jelkin, who is 5-0 with a 2.94 ERA. Jelkin allowed one run over seven innings last week in a start against Ole Miss.
Detillier: Casan Evans was the 'fireman' LSU desperately needed to save its season USAT Images
- Sunday TBA
Because of Cooper Moore’s arm injury, LSU has not named a starter for Sunday. William Schmidt will pitch on Saturday. Who will pitch on Sunday? Coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie will not hold anyone back on Friday and Saturday. If they need to use Zac Cowan, they’ll use him and figure out Sunday once they get to Sunday.
