LSU Holds Off Milwaukee to Stay Unbeaten

Tigers squirm to 5-3 victory over Panthers in second game of season-opening series

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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LSU looked to have broken open a close game with three runs in the eighth inning against Milwaukee, but the Tigers still had to hold on for a 5-3 victory over the Panthers in the second game of the season-opening series for the defending national champions. Starting pitcher Cooper Moore had a career-high 11 strikeouts in his LSU debut, allowing just one run on four hits in six innings.

Why it matters

This early-season matchup between LSU and Milwaukee showcases the defending national champions' ability to grind out a win against a tough opponent, even when their offense doesn't fully click. The performance of transfer pitcher Cooper Moore is also an encouraging sign for the Tigers' pitching staff as they look to repeat their title run.

The details

LSU took a 5-1 lead in the eighth inning on RBI doubles by Steven Milam and Cade Arrambide, but Milwaukee made it interesting in the ninth with a pair of runs before LSU closer Grant Fontenot recorded the final out. Moore, a transfer from Kansas, struck out a career-high 11 batters in six innings, allowing just one run on four hits. LSU's other runs came on a sacrifice fly by Derek Curiel and an RBI single by Jake Brown.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • LSU and Milwaukee will finish the weekend series on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1 p.m.

The players

Cooper Moore

A transfer pitcher from Kansas who made his LSU debut, striking out a career-high 11 batters in six innings while allowing just one run on four hits.

Steven Milam

An LSU player who delivered a key two-run double in the eighth inning to help the Tigers pull ahead.

Cade Arrambide

An LSU player who added an RBI double in the eighth inning to extend the Tigers' lead.

Grant Fontenot

The LSU closer who recorded the final out in the ninth inning to preserve the Tigers' 5-3 victory.

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU Tigers baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“Steven was just being Steven. Mr. Clutch. Time and time again, we never have a doubt he's going to do what he needs to do in these moments. And he delivered big time.”

— Jay Johnson, LSU Head Coach (American Press)

“He has a lot of ways to get you out. He was our best-performing pitcher in the fall, so it was not a surprise to us that he had this type of outing today. Cooper has great self-belief, and I think those guys are special. He pitches like he needs to win, and we certainly needed that today.”

— Jay Johnson, LSU Head Coach (American Press)

What’s next

The two teams will finish the weekend series on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 1 p.m., with LSU sophomore William Schmidt scheduled to pitch.

The takeaway

This early-season victory showcases LSU's ability to grind out a win against a tough opponent, even when their offense doesn't fully click. The strong debut performance of transfer pitcher Cooper Moore is an encouraging sign for the Tigers' pitching staff as they look to defend their national championship.