LSU Baseball delivers on a chance at the post-season. The Tigers needed at least two wins in a three game series against Texas A&M, and the Purple and Gold delivered in the regular season finale.
After losing the first game of the series 2-1, LSU's offense really came alive with 19 runs in the final two games of the series, winning game two (12-6) and three (8-2). The Bayou Bengals now stand at 13 and 17 in SEC play. That should be good enough to get the Tigers in the post-season.
LSU would really cement their post-season birth with a win or two in the SEC tournament this week. So 13-17 is not ideal, even sparking some debate about whether Paul Mainieri is the right guy to lead the team going forward.
Did you know LSU is 2 and 8 this season in games decided by two runs or less in the SEC? They also had four chances at a sweep. If the Tigers had pulled off the sweep on four occasions, LSU would easily be 17-13.
I know, that’s a big “if,” and the Tigers did blow some big leads. Is that on Maineiri? Kind of, but he can't pitch or hit for LSU. Regardless of how this season plays out, the Tigers are close to turning it around.
Let's say LSU Baseball reverses that 2-8 record in games decided by two runs or less. That would give them a 19 and 11 record. That could be enough to host a regional. Get the point?
I’ll take it a step further. The No. 1 team in the country, Arkansas, is 9-4 in games decided by 2 runs or less. I rest my case.
Now on to the SEC Tournament next week in Hoover, Alabama. Right now LSU is the 9th seed; scheduled to play the No. 8 seed Georgia at 4:30pm Tuesday.
Lagniappe: How about LF Gavin Dugas? What a series with two home runs and a few nice plays in left field, but how about his toughness. Dugas was injured in game one against the Aggies after a collision with CF Drew Bianco, that bruised Dugas' ribs. The junior out of Houma didn't miss a game, and in fact, could be SEC player of the week again. What a stud!
