Once again, we take on our oldest adversary, the Greenies of Tulane (29-15, 7-8 in CUSA). Both teams have gone in different directions since the last meeting back on March 6th. LSU has grown into a world beater with a consensus Top 10 ranking, a solid Sunday starter in Aaron Nola, a nasty closer in Nick Goody, and a hitter in Raph Rhymes who's on track to shatter the LSU and maybe even the SEC record book. Tulane, on the other hand, has struggled in conference play and lost series to almost every decent team they've faced (Wichita St, Rice, UCF). But The Greenies have gotten better of late, being just 4 runs out of beating a ranked UCF and taking 2 of 3 at a good East Carolina last weekend. The Greenies are fighting for their NCAA hopes and a win on the road against LSU will do wonders for their resume.
Tulane is hitting .313 as a team with some really strong bats in Nick Schneeberger (382/471/547 10 2B 3 3B 4HR 41RBI), Brennan Middleton (364/424/417 8 2B 16RBI), Sean Potkay (346/491/512 9 2B 4HR 27RBI) and Jeremy Schaffer (331/441/566 12 2B 9HR 39RBI). The Greenies will also toss out Alex Byo again to start. Last time he lasted 7 2/3 giving up 4 runs on 10 hits. The Greenie bullpen has a few good arms to worry about, and because it's LSU-Tulane, you don't rule out anyone on either staff except the weekend starters. LSU will be starting Broussard again, followed by the bullpen parade. It should also be noted that Tulane will be without their head coach Rick Jones, who is out of state with family, mourning the loss of his sister.
Back on Cox Sports for TV tonight. Spring has abruptly ended, with temps in the high 80s and climbing and the typical sudden afternoon shower pattern starting to take hold. Should be a fine night for baseball ON A GRASS AND DIRT SURFACE LIKE REAL MEN PLAY ON
PITCHING MATCHUP
LSU - So. RHP Joe Broussard (4-0, 4.03 ERA, 29.0 IP, 9 BB, 32 SO)
TU - Jr. RHP Alex Byo (6-3, 3.59 ERA, 62.2 IP, 15 BB, 31 SO)