As a rule, if you are reading this blog you should hate Tulane and all that they stand for. I know it's difficult for some of you, what with their football program being in the basement for nearly 2 decades, but this rivalry still shines in baseball, where they are a perennial national power who's been going through a rough stretch. By many accounts, it is the last thing the Greenies genuinely believe they can compete in and that alone should be enough for you root for their complete and total destruction. If nothing else, you should hate them for the abomination of having a near %100 artificial surface for an OUTDOOR field.
BLASPHEMOUS!
Tulane is dealing with the same offensive slump the rest of the college baseball world is having this year, with just 3 players hitting over .300 on the year and only 1 more home run combined than Mikie Mahtook has alone. Sr OF Nick Boullosa has been a bright spot lately though, hitting .450 in CUSA play and so far a perfect year defensively. They are starting with LHP David Napoli who's got a good line with only 2 starts, but I expect it to be all hands on deck for both batteries tonight. The worry for the Greenies is that their ace closer Sr RHP Nick Pepitone (3.28 ERA, 11BB/16K 1HR with 24.2IP in 18App and 9 saves(!)) is coming off short rest after pitching an inning on Sunday.
The Greenies were a Top 20 team at one point this year, taking 2 of 3 from Ole Miss and Wichita State in non-conf play, but after going 1-5 so far in conference play, including a sweep loss at home to Houston last weekend, they are unranked in all major polls.
As for LSU, with Tyler Jones still not quite ready for prime time Coach Mainieri is going with Joe Broussard in his 1st career start. I'm thinking we might still see Jones in some sort of relief role tonight. I've not seen anything about other potential lineup changes, but I'll update the thread when we have them.
Game is on Cox Sports. I don't know who's got the call, but I'm thinking Swoboda.
Weather should be nice and cool, not a cloud in the sky.
PITCHING MATCHUP from LSUSports.net
LSU - Fr. RHP Joe Broussard (0-1, 3.86 ERA, 16.1 IP, 8 BB, 19 SO)
TU - So. LHP David Napoli (1-1, 2.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 8 BB, 19 SO)