LSU begins another run to Omaha today with a team that’s loaded with talent. Here’s are the five things to watch for as the Tigers attempt to go back-to-back.
Starting pitching
Last season, Thursday and Friday nights were almost guaranteed wins with Paul Skenes on the mound. The Tigers will miss Skenes dominance but LSU may have more depth at starting pitching this year. Thatcher Hurd and Luke Holman is an outstanding one-two punch. UCLA transfer Gage Jump is a talented left-hander. Griffin Herring, Nate Ackenhausen and Javen Coleman are also potential weekend starters if anyone falters.
2. New double play combination
Shortstop Michael Braswell and second baseman Josh Pearson will provide the defense in the middle of the infield. Braswell is a transfer from South Carolina, who has an excellent glove, the question is can he hit enough to play every game. LSU has worked with his swing and they like the early returns.
Pearson was outstanding in left field last year, but to open some options in the outfield, Pearson was moved to second base. Gavin Dugas made the transition to left field to second base last year, Coach Jay Johnson believes Pearson can do the same.
If Braswell or Pearson is not the answer, the coaching staff really likes freshman Steven Milam.
3. The development of Cam Johnson
You don’t see many left-handed pitchers in college baseball, who are 6-5 and throw in the upper 90s. But that’s Cam Johnson. Because LSU has so much pitching staff depth, they can take it slow with Johnson. But I would not be surprised if LSU is counting on Johnson to get them big outs in the postseason.
4. Bullpen has options from the left and right side
LSU has ten left-handed pitchers, which allows a tactician like Coach Johnson to match up against teams in the late innings. Justin Loer and Cam Johnson are potential late inning left-handers out of the bullpen. If Herring and Ackenhausen are not starting, they’ll be multi-inning guys out of the pen. Right-hander Gavin Guidry loves the big moment. If he can locate his fastball better, he could have the potential to be a lights out closer.
5. LSU offense
Losing veteran hitters like Dylan Crews, Tre Morgan, Gavin Dugas and Cade Beloso, it will take awhile for this offense to find itself. But the Tigers still have one of the best hitters in college baseball in Tommy White. Jared Jones has massive power, but has to cut down on the strikeouts and the Tigers need a healthy Hayden Travinski in the middle of the line-up for LSU to be a force at the plate.