GAMETHREAD: 2014 Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic, LSU vs USM, 7pm, Cox Sports

LSU's lack of a defined 3rd starter finally came back to bite the Tigers on Sunday with the disastrous start of Kyle Bouman. Now, things get even tougher with a 4 game road trip that includes an ESPNU Thursday Night game to throw off the usual rotation. With a difficult visit to Ole Miss ahead, Coach Mainieri wants to keep everyone available in the bullpen. Fr. RHP Alden Cartwright (1-0, 1.23) will get the start tonight, but dont expect anyone to go a more than an inning or two. CPM has also mentioned that a few players are holding on to some minor injuries, so expect a few new names in the lineup.

Southern Miss (21-16, 10-5 in CUSA) is having an good year, having won all of their conference series so far and currently in a 3 way tie for 2nd in the CUSA behind the ever-powerful Rice. The Golden Eagles share many of LSU's opponents and have not done to well against them, with losses to Florida, McNeese, Miss St, series losses to Mizzou and UL-L, but wins against Bama, Ole Miss, and UNO. At the plate, look out for Tim Lynch (308/420/392) and Dylan Burdeaux (254/316/398). On the mound for the Eagles tonight is So. RHP Cody Carroll (2-0, 2.88 ERA, 25.0 IP, 10 BB, 20 SO) is a regular mid week starter with decent numbers who should give LSU a decent challenge.

Of course, today's game is about more than baseball.

The Wally Pontiff Jr. Foundation continues to do great works throughout the Metairie area with tonight's game as it's main fundraiser. For more information, please visit their website.