And The Valley Shook - WEEKEND GAMETHREAD: Houston College ClassicLSU Tigers Blog of the Week for 52,136 Weeks in a Row and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46725/andthevalleyshook_fave.png2015-03-08T10:14:34-05:00http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/rss/stream/79261882015-03-08T10:14:34-05:002015-03-08T10:14:34-05:00GAMETHREAD: LSU vs Nebraska, 11am, CST/Root-SW
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<p><b>LINEUPS</b></p>
<p><b>LSU</b></p>
<p>Fraley, LF<br>Laird, RF<br>Bregman, SS<br>Chinea, DH<br>Hale, 3B<br>Stevenson, CF<br>Papierski, C<br>Zardon, 1B<br>Byrd, 2B</p>
<p>RHP Godfrey</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Nebraska</b></p>
<p>Schleppenbach, 2B<br>Alvarado, LF<br>Boldt, CF<br>Headley, 3B<br>Miller, DH<br>Lubach, C<br>Darby, RF<br>Christensen, 1B<br>Reveles, SS</p>
<p><span>RHP Burkamper</span></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/8/8170261/gamethread-lsu-vs-nebraska-11am-cox-sports-root-swPodKATT2015-03-07T14:25:46-06:002015-03-07T14:25:46-06:00GAMETHREAD: LSU vs Baylor, 3:30pm, CST/Root-SW
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<p><b>LINEUPS</b></p>
<p><b>LSU</b></p>
<p>Foster (LF)<br>Laird (RF)<br>Bregman (SS)<br>Chinea (DH)<br>Hale (3B)<br>Scivicque (C)<br>Stevenson (CF)<br>Zardon (1B)<br>Robertson (2B)</p>
<p>RHP Lange</p>
<p><br><b>Baylor</b></p>
<p>Brown (CF)<br>Toth (RF)<br>Dodson (1B)<br>Miller (C) <br>Esthay (LF)<br>McLean (2B)<br>Tunnell (DH)<br>Ducoff (3B)<br>Arrington (SS)</p>
<p>LHP Castano</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/7/8168003/gamethread-lsu-vs-baylor-3-30pm-cox-sports-root-swPodKATT2015-03-07T11:00:03-06:002015-03-07T11:00:03-06:00Chalk Talk: Previewing Baylor with Our Daily Bears
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<p><span><b>PodKATT: Baylor’s pitching staff seems to have had a rough start to the year, with a staff ERA of 5.29 and only 2 pitchers under 4.00. Is this team at a point right now where you know who your 3 weekend starters are or are arms still being tested for those roles? Who do you think we’re likely to see on Saturday and who are some names on the staff LSU fans should watch out for?</b></span></p>
<p>KimboSmash: <span>Coach Smith has kept the guys really up in the air about who's starting this season, which has forced the guys to be more competitive to earn that role as a starter. Pitching-wise, I think we have a pretty good idea who our weekend guys are going to be, but with Ryan Smith getting Tommy John next week and Brad Kuntz still out recovering from a Tommy John last year, the pitching staff is looking a little piecemeal. That said, I think our weekend guys include Drew Tolson, Troy Montemayor, and possibly Theron Kay or Nick Lewis. Smith's injury throws a lot of things up in the air, but we'll see how things play out this weekend. </span></p>
<p>As far as guys to watch out for, Logan Brown, Adam Toth and Aaron Dodson have been hitting pretty well thus far this season. Troy Montemayor is usually pretty solid on the mound, and Sean Spicer has been doing a pretty good job at closer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><b>PK: Baylor’s start has been up and down, but I don’t think anyone can say anything negative about how tough their OOC has been so far (Home series wins vs Cal Poly and Kent St, road sweep loss at CS Fullerton and a midweek loss to Dallas Baptist) Do you like your team playing a schedule so tough?</b></span></p>
<p>KS: I like it. I think it's a good growth experience for the team, and a much better representation of what the team is capable. That said, playing hard OOC requires a lot of tenacity, both physically and mentally, but I think it's really beneficial in the long run.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><b>PK: With 301 teams in college baseball, it’s hard to pay close attention outside of your own conference. What kind of offensive team is Baylor and how does Aaron Dodson (.429, 12 hits in 7 games played) and Adam Toth (led team with a .296 BA last season) fit into those plans?</b></span></p>
<p><span>KS: Honestly, I think that we're pretty inconsistent. There are some nights when bats are flying and runs are being scored left and right and things all line up, on both sides of the ball. And when that happens, we're a good offensive team. But when several things aren't lining up the way they need to, the ability to score goes way down. Batting is definitely influenced by the way the rest of the game is being played. Several times in the Cal State Fullerton series last week, guys were able to get on base, but their successors weren't able to finish the job and bring them home to capitalize. I think that's the biggest problem at this point in the season. However, you don't know quite which version of the team has shown up until after the first. </span></p>
<p>Beyond Toth and Dodson, I think most of our guys (Darryn Sheppard, Logan Brown, Cameron Miller, Steven McLean, Justin Arrington) have shown great propensity during their at bats. Again, it just comes down to how the team as a whole is that evening: if they're consistent and have plenty of cohesion, it's going to be a good ballgame. If they're inconsistent or a little out of whack, it has the potential to be a trainwreck. But hey, that's baseball--you have ups and downs, and the important part is what you do with those ups and downs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><b>PK: Bottom 9, Two out, down 1, 1 on. Who do you want to come to the plate for Baylor?</b></span></p>
<p>KS: Adam Toth or Aaron Dodson. Toth already has won a game with a walk-off while pinch-hitting, and Dodson has proven to be a good hitter thus far this season, though it's early yet.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><b>PK: Baylor baseball is a program that I think many would say is at or right near the top level of college baseball, though recently it has had back-to-back losing seasons. What do you think of the state of the program and is there any kind of "hot seat" talk for longtime coach Steve Smith?</b></span></p>
<p><span>KS: Of course there's "hot seat" talk for Coach Smith (people are still calling for Scott Drew's job and he's had a really amazing season...haters gonna hate, amirite). It's really hard to be good year-after-year. I still think we're a good program and the past couple seasons have been characterized by growth and player development. Based on what I've seen, I'm excited to see what this team achieves this season and don't think Coach Smith should be in the "hot seat," per se. </span></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/7/8161429/chalk-talk-previewing-baylor-with-our-daily-bearsPodKATT2015-03-06T18:11:02-06:002015-03-06T18:11:02-06:00GAMETHREAD: LSU vs Houston, 7pm, CST/Root-SW Alt
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<p><b>LINEUPS</b></p>
<p><b>LSU</b></p>
<p class="p1">Fraley, LF<br>Laird, RF<br>Bregman, SS<br>Chinea, DH<br>Hale, 3B<br>Stevenson, CF<br>Scivicque, C<br>Zardon, 1B<br>Robertson, 2B</p>
<p class="p1"><span>LHP Poche</span></p>
<p class="p1"> </p>
<p class="p1"><b>Houston</b></p>
<p class="p1">Survance, RF</p>
<p class="p1">Vidales, 2B<br>Campbell, DH<br>Iriart, 1B<br>Wong, SS<br>Rice, C<br>Montemayor, 3B<br>Fulmer, CF<br>Taylor, LF</p>
<p class="p1"><span>RHP Lantrip</span></p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/6/8164641/gamethread-lsu-vs-houston-7pm-cox-sports-root-sw-altPodKATT2015-03-06T12:30:02-06:002015-03-06T12:30:02-06:00Chalk Talk: Previewing Nebraska with Corn Nation
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<p>Ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Cornhuskers, I spoke with Keith Yaple of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cornnation.com/">Corn Nation</a> to get the scoop on this Nebraska team and how baseball life has been in the B1G.</p>
<p><span><b>PodKATT: The Cornhuskers were highly regarded in the preseason thanks mostly to a lot of good returning experience on the roster, especially in the pitching staff with Chance Sinclair (9-1, 2.15 in 2014) and closer Josh Roeder (12 saves in 2014). Who do you think we’re likely to see on Sunday and who are some name on the staff LSU fans should watch for?</b></span></p>
<p><span>Keith Yaple: On Sunday, it looks like the Huskers will trot out Derek Burkamper for his third start of the year. Burkamper came in last year as a highly regarded prospect, and looks to finally have found a comfort zone. Burkamper isn't flashy but has figured out how to maximize his effectiveness with a nasty curveball in addition to a solid changeup. His velocity will not impress, but he is more of a crafty pitcher than a power pitcher. </span></p>
<p><span>On the offensive side of things, everyone knows about Blake Headley and Ryan Boldt. The key to making the Husker offense click is to set the table for the middle of the lineup. Look for Jake Schleppenbach, Luis Alvarado, and Steven Reveles to try and set the table for the meat of the order. Tanner Lubach has plus power and tends to come up with important hits for Nebraska.</span></p>
<p><span><b>PK: Nebraska’s start has been a little rocky, with an opening series loss at UNLV followed by a nice bounce back to take series at BYU and at Loyola Marymount. That kind of scheduling is both an RPI boon and likely required given how bad the weather has been nationwide early in the season. Do you like that kind of scheduling and where do you see the Huskers once B1G play starts in late March?</b></span></p>
<p><span>KY: The schedule this year is not necessarily a boon, as the Huskers played a weak Brigham Young team. Loyola Marymount and UNLV both have potential to make the tournament. When you play in a climate such as Nebraska, you have to make the schedule somewhat difficult but not too difficult. I have no problem with west coast trips, as there are no weather issues usually in the desert or California. I was not a fan of the Brigham Young series, but you schedule what you can get, and there were worse teams to face. </span></p>
<p><span>When the Huskers start BIG play, they will have played some cupcake games, but also some quality teams like Indiana State, Florida Gulf Coast, and LMU. The Huskers also have huge non conference games against Texas and Fullerton, so I expect the Huskers to be well tested. The Huskers should compete for the BIG title, and a weekend series at Maryland will likely tell who will win the conference.</span></p>
<p><span><b>PK: With 301 teams in college baseball, it’s hard to pay close attention outside of your own conference. What kind of offensive team is Nebraska and how does Ryan Boldt (.459 with 10 runs) and Blake Headley (.351 with 13 RBIs) fit into those plans?</b></span></p>
<p><span>KY: Nebraska offense in one word, streaky. The Huskers can pound out a boatload of hits in a span of three innings, and then they can go quiet the next six innings. The consistency of the Huskers bats is a problem, and coach Darin Erstad will look for a more consistent approach at the plate. If both Austin Darby and Tanner Lubach could consistently hit, this becomes a much more deep and dangerous Husker team. Darby has the ability to put a lot of hits together in a short span of time.</span></p>
<p><span><b>PK: Bottom 9, Two out, down 1, 1 on. Who do you want to come to the plate for Nebraska?</b></span></p>
<p><span>KY: Runner on third or runner on first? If the runner is on third, I would say Blake Headley as he has been the Huskers best hitter in the ninth inning. If the Huskers were to need a long ball, it would be on Lubach. Lubach has the power to drive the ball to all fields, and is a patient and methodical hitter. I ignored putting Boldt here because hell, who would pitch to him. </span></p>
<p><span><b>PK: It’s been a few seasons now, how is Nebraska baseball adjusting to life in the B1G? </b></span></p>
<div><span>KY: The first year Nebraska joined the BIG was a disappointment. Erstad has been spent a lot of time building the Huskers into a team that is methodical and puts in hard work. The Huskers continue to gain steam, and build momentum with the program, even if they have lost a few top recruits to the draft. I don't know if you saw the BIG championship last year, where 20,000 showed up to support the Huskers, but they are gaining more local attention, and national attention. A reasonable goal for the Huskers this year was to host a regional, or win the BIG. While the level of competition may not be where it is in the Big 12, the BIG is improving as a conference, and is more committed to baseball. Nebraska seemingly leads this commitment, and will always look to compete for a league title. </span></div>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/6/8161347/chalk-talk-previewing-nebraska-baseball-with-corn-nationPodKATT2015-03-06T11:37:06-06:002015-03-06T11:37:06-06:00Houston College Classic - News, Matchups, TV Times
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<h4>LSU News</h4>
<p>Astros.com - <a href="http://astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/college_classic.jsp" target="_blank">Ticket Purchase Information</a></p>
<p>ROOT Sports SW - <a target="_blank" href="http://southwest.rootsports.com/houston-college-classic/">Channel Finder</a></p>
<p>Advocate - <a target="_blank" href="http://theadvocate.com/sports/lsu/11771166-123/nine-months-after-houston-ended">Nine months after Houston ended LSU’s season, Tigers pitcher Jared Poché gets crack at Cougars</a></p>
<p>Advocate - <a target="_blank" href="http://theadvocate.com/news/11760915-55/power-hitting-chris-chinea-takes-interesting">Power-hitting Chris Chinea takes interesting route to LSU</a></p>
<p>Times Pic - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2015/03/unconventional_configuration_h.html">Unconventional configuration has LSU's speedy OFs excited about playing in Houston</a></p>
<p>LSUSports.net - <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=27865&SPID=2173&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209928287&DB_OEM_ID=5200" target="_blank">No. 2 Baseball Takes on No. 7 Houston in Classic</a></p>
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<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8uReMKxrqfg" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
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<h4>National News and Previews</h4>
<p>Baseball America - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/demarini-rolls-new-ways-customize/">DeMarini Rolls Out New Ways To Customize</a></p>
<p>Baseball America - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/west-virginia-ballpark-opening-pushed-back-month/">WVU Ballpark Opening Pushed Back A Month</a></p>
<p>NCAA.com - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2015-03-04/new-baseball-brings-more-home-runs-runs-batting-average-remain-flat">New baseball brings more home runs but runs, batting average remain flat</a></p>
<p>NCAA.com - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2015-03-06/rhode-island-baseball-attempts-practice-field-under-2-3-feet-snow">Rhode Island baseball attempts to practice on field under 2-3 feet of snow</a></p>
<p>NCAA.com - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2015-03-05/frank-viola-lance-berkman-headline-eight-selected-college-baseball">Frank Viola, Lance Berkman headline eight selected to college baseball hall</a></p>
<p>Baseball America - Weekend Preview <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/weekend-preview-march-6-8/">Part 1</a> & <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/weekend-preview-part-ii-march-6-8/">Part 2</a></p>
<p>D1Baseball.com - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.d1baseball.com/weekend-preview/college-weekend-preview-march-6-8/">Weekend Preview</a></p>
<p>NCAA.com - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2015-03-05/weekend-preview-dodgertown-classic-returns-high-profile-matchups">Weekend Preview</a></p>
<h4>Pitching Matchups</h4>
<p><span><b>vs. Houston on Friday, March 6 – 7 p.m. CT, Cox Sports/Root Sports-SW</b></span></p>
<p><span>LSU – Jr. LHP Jared Poche’ (3-0, 1.96 ERA, 18.1 IP, 5 BB, 13 SO)</span></p>
<p><span>UH – So. RHP Andrew Lantrip (3-0, 0.46 ERA, 19.2 IP, 3 BB, 16 SO)</span></p>
<p><b><span>vs. Baylor on Saturday, March 7 – 3:30 p.m. CT</span>, Cox Sports/Root Sports-SW</b></p>
<p><span>Probable Starters:</span></p>
<p><span>LSU - RHP Alex Lange </span><span>3-0, 2.25 ERA</span></p>
<p><span>BU - LHP Daniel Castano </span><span>0-1, 4.00 ERA</span></p>
<p><b><span>vs. Nebraska on Sunday, March 8 – 11 a.m. CT</span>, Cox Sports/Root Sports-SW</b></p>
<p><span>Probable Starters: RHP Burkamper (1-0) vs. RHP Godfrey (2-0)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<h4><span>College Baseball on TV and Online (All Times ET)</span></h4>
<p> </p>
<p><b>FRIDAY, MARCH 6</b></p>
<p>Baylor vs. Hawaii (at Houston) 1 p.m. | Root Sports SW<br>Clemson at NC State 3 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Notre Dame at Georgia Tech 4 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Utah at Kansas 4 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Loyola Marymount at Arkansas 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Xavier at Auburn 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Nebraska vs. Texas A&M (at Houston) 4:30 p.m. | Root Sports SW (Alternate)<br>Longwood at Georgia 5 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Milwaukee at Missouri 5 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>San Diego at Mississippi State 5 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Boston College at Florida State 6 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Troy at Louisiana-Lafayette 7 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Miami (Ohio) at South Carolina 7 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Maine at Florida 7 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Purdue at Oklahoma 7 p.m. | Fox Sports SW+ / Fox College Sports<br>Stetson at Mississippi 7:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>LSU at Houston 8 p.m. | CST / Root Sports SW (Alternate)<br> <br><b></b></p>
<p><b>SATURDAY, MARCH 7</b></p>
<p>Massachusetts at Kentucky (Game 1) Noon | SEC Network+<br>Miami (Fla.) at Louisville (Game 1) Noon | ESPN3<br>Hawaii vs. Nebraska (at Houston) 1 p.m. | Root Sports SW<br>Notre Dame at Georgia Tech 2 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Kent State at Liberty (Game 1) 2 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Longwood at Georgia 2 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Xavier at Auburn 2 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Stetson at Mississippi 2:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Utah at Kansas 3 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Milwaukee at Missouri 3 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Clemson at NC State 3 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Purdue at Oklahoma 3 p.m. | Fox Sports Okla.+<br>Miami (Fla.) at Louisville (Game 2) 3:30 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Loyola Marymount at Arkansas 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Miami (Ohio) at South Carolina 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Massachusetts at Kentucky (Game 2) 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Maine at Florida 4 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Baylor vs. LSU (at Houston) 4:30 p.m. | CST / ESPN3<br>Kent State at Liberty (Game 2) 5 p.m. | ESPN3<br> <br><b>SUNDAY, MARCH 8</b><br> <br>LSU vs. Nebraska (at Houston) Noon | CST / Root Sports SW<br>Kent State at Liberty 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Boston College at Florida State 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Miami (Fla.) at Louisville 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Notre Dame at Georgia Tech 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Clemson at NC State 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>VCU at Jacksonville 1 p.m. | ESPN3<br>Longwood at Georgia 1 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Massachusetts at Kentucky 1 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Maine at Florida 1 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Milwaukee at Missouri 1 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Miami (Ohio) at South Carolina 1:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Loyola Marymount at Arkansas 1:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Purdue at Oklahoma 2 p.m. | Regional Sports Networks<br>Xavier at Auburn 2 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Utah at Kansas 2 p.m. | ESPN3<br>San Diego at Mississippi State 2:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Stetson at Mississippi 2:30 p.m. | SEC Network+<br>Baylor vs. Texas A&M (at Houston) 3:30 p.m. | Root Sports SW<br>Hawaii at Houston 6 p.m. | Root Sports SW<br>UCLA vs. USC (at Dodger Stadium) 6:30 p.m. | Pac-12 Network</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/6/8161729/houston-college-classic-news-pitching-matchups-tv-timesPodKATT2015-03-06T08:56:29-06:002015-03-06T08:56:29-06:00Weekend Preview: Houston College Classic
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<figcaption>Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LSU gets some interesting non-conference competition and a chance at revenge.</p> <p>Hooray interesting baseball. LSU participates in the Houston College Classic this weekend, so we finally get some stiff competition. Plus it's in Minute Maid Park, so we get the extra bonus of seeing the Tigers play in a modern MLB stadium. I'm sure the team is fired up to be playing in Minute Maid, but I think most of us fans are excited about seeing this team face some top notch teams.</p>
<h3>Friday - #16 Houston Cougars (8-5)</h3>
<h5>Team Hitting Stats - 0.277 BA, 7 HRs, 0.390 OBP, 0.382 SLG %<br>Starting Pitcher - RHP Andrew Lantrip (3-0, 0.46 ERA, 19.2 IP, 0.180 OBA, 16/3 K/BB)</h5>
<p>The toughest test of the weekend is the first game. LSU gets Houston's best starting pitcher with sophomore RHP Andrew Lantrip. Lantrip has been stellar in three starts so far. He boasts a 0.46 ERA in 19.2 IP with a strikeout to walk ratio of 16/3, and has only given up one run total on the season. His fastball hangs in the low 90s and he has a slider to keep batters off balance. He's also been very efficient, throwing 68% of his pitches for strikes in his first three starts.</p>
<p>Houston doesn't have the deepest of lineups, but they have several quality bats in the lineup. The Cougars have four players hitting above .300 with Chris Iriart leading the way at .348. Iriart also leads the team in home runs with three, and slugs at a .587 clip. Kyle Survance might be a headache if he gets on the base paths, having stolen 11 bases in 13 attempts. Survance is also tied for second in hitting at .333.</p>
<p>Overall, Houston should be a fun match-up for LSU. It could be one hell of a pitcher's duel if Lantrip and Jared Poche both have their A game on Friday. If either falters, both teams have enough solid bats in their lineup to make the other pay.</p>
<h3>Saturday - Baylor Bears (6-5)</h3>
<h5>Team Hitting Stats -0.280 BA, 3 HRs, 0.355 OBP, 0.399 SLG %<br>Starting Pitcher - LHP Daniel Castano (0-1, 4.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 0.356 OBA, 9/2 K/BB)</h5>
<p>Baylor has already had an up and down year thus far. They started out by sweeping a ranked Cal Poly and winning aseries vs Kent State but got swept by Cal State Fullerton on the road last weekend.</p>
<p>Daniel Castano has had a rough start to his 2015 season. He was roughed up a bit in his first two starts, only going three innings in each of them. If LSU can get to him early, they should be in good stead against the Baylor bullpen, where every player has an ERA above four.</p>
<p>Aaron Dodson and Logan Brown lead the Bears at the plate. Dodson leads the team in batting and slugging at 0.429 and 0.750 respectively, but he has only played in seven games thus far. Dodson hit extremely well against CSF last weekend, going 6/14. Logan Brown is one of two players that have started every game for Baylor. He's hitting 0.359 with a 0.487 slugging percentage.</p>
<p>LSU looks to out match Baylor in just about every statistical category. I don't expect a blow out or anything, but LSU is clearly the better team. A loss here would be a surprise.</p>
<h3>Sunday - Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-4)</h3>
<h5>Team Hitting Stats -0.259 BA, 2 HRs, 0.316 OBP, 0.334 SLG %<br>Starting Pitcher - RHP Derek Burkamper (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 12.0 IP, 0.233 OBA, 7/2 K/BB)</h5>
<p>Nebraska has basically done the opposite of Baylor since the season started. They were swept opening weekend against UNLV, but have won back to back series against BYU and Loyola Marymount. The Huskers are trending in the right direction, but it's easy to say that this tournament will be the best competition they've faced thus far.</p>
<p>Burkamper had a really solid outing last weekend against Loyola Marymount. He went seven innings, giving up only two hits and one run. In his first start, he gave up three runs in the first inning, but has only given up a single run since then.</p>
<p>The big bats in the Nebraska lineup are sophomore Ryan Boldt and senior Blake Headley. Boldt is having a really good start to the season thus far, hitting 459/512/568. He doesn't have great power, but his job is to get on base and score. Boldt leads Nebraska with 10 runs on the season. Headly leads the team in extra base (6 - 5 doubles and 1 triple) and RBI (13). Basically, Boldt gets on base then Headley gets the hit to score him. Neither has a home run.</p>
<p>Again, another team that LSU outmatches on the stat sheet. Nebraska has three solid bats in the lineup and some good arms in the pen, but nothing else that really scares you.</p>
<h3>Keys to the Weekend</h3>
<p><b>Level Heads</b>: Is it cool to play in an MLB stadium? You betcha. But you can't let the environment overwhelm you. I imagine that the adrenaline will be flowing for the first game, but hopefully the team settles down and plays well for the other two games.</p>
<p><b>Outfield Defense: </b> The unique outfield of the Juice Box could be a problem. Centerfield in particular is going to be a big challenge because of its odd shape. Andrew Stevenson's speed will be critical to limiting extra base hits, and hopefully keeps some runs off of the board. Also, while highlight reel catches are fun and amazing, I'd be happy if the outfield were more risk adverse and didn't take too many chances. Keep the ball in front of you and limit runs. On the flip side, if LSU hits the balls into the gaps our speed should be a boon. I wouldn't be surprised if extra base hits were plentiful.</p>
<p><b>Take What They Give You:</b> The hitting for LSU has been on a roll, hitting four home runs and 11 extra base hits in the last three games. While the home runs have been nice, I wouldn't expect to see many this weekend unless LSU pulls the ball to the foul lines really well, something they haven't really done much. The Tigers have been finding the gaps though, and that'll pay dividends in Minute Maid.</p>
<h3>Horrible Prediction</h3>
<p>I think the team will be amped to face a really good Houston team and to get some revenge for the 2014 Baton Rouge regional. I expect them to come up fired up and ready to play. If we manage to beat Houston, I wouldn't be surprised if we see a letdown in one of the other games. I think the Tigers take 2 of 3 in Houston before moving on to SEC play next weekend.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/3/6/8160003/weekend-preview-houston-college-classicdr.awesome504