After giving up ten runs to Stony Brook on February 25th, LSU has allowed just 17 earned runs in its last eight games.
It begins with the starting pitching. Luke Holeman, Gage Jump and Kade Anderson have pitched a combined 51.1 innings and between the three of them they’ve allowed just one earned run.
Sunday starter Thatcher Hurd has settled in after some early hiccups and has allowed just two earned runs in his last two starts.
It will be difficult for this foursome to keep up this level of dominance, but it’s not a stretch to think this could be the best collective group of starting pitchers in Tigers history.
LSU’s bullpen has also been tough on opposing hitters. Right-handers Fidel Ulloa and Gavin Guidry have each allowed just one earned run. Lefties Nate Ackenhausen and Justin Loer have also had great performances.
Productivity at the plate from LSU’s outfielders is the most glaring issue with this team. None of LSU’s regular outfielders are hitting above .265.
Mac Bingham leads the way with a .262 average. Paxton Kling had a huge two-run game winning double against Southeastern Louisiana, but he’s only hitting .255.
Josh Pearson has not found his stride. The former West Monroe star is hitting .220.
Freshman Jake Brown did not make a start last week. He’s hitting .290 but just two extra base hits and 1 RBI. He also has 8 strikeouts in 31 at bats.
Coach Jay Johnson also tried some new faces in the outfield. Ethan Frey, who had a huge pinch-hit RBI in the come from behind win over Southeastern Louisiana, got the start on Saturday night, but injured his shoulder, diving into first base on a pickoff throw to first. A similar injury occurred to Tommy White last season. Johnson hopes Frey only misses a week.
Talented freshman Ashton Larson got a couple of starts last weekend and had one hit in five at-bats.
“There are some pieces of the team that we need to improve, and that’s not uncommon in any year that I’ve ever coached,” said Johnson. “We’ll keep doing that, and we’ll continue to evolve as we move through the schedule.”
LSU begins a two-game midweek series against North Dakota State on Tuesday night. The Tigers will have a chance to rack up some runs against the Bison. NDSU has a team ERA of 9.03.
A chance for an inconsistent offense to find some confidence heading into the SEC opener on Friday at Mississippi State.