LSU Shuts Down Kentucky's Bats to Even Series

William Schmidt and the Tigers' bullpen combine for a 7-0 shutout victory over the Wildcats.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The LSU Tigers evened their weekend series against the Kentucky Wildcats with a dominant 7-0 win on Saturday. Sophomore right-hander William Schmidt tossed 5.1 scoreless innings, and the LSU bullpen completed the shutout, limiting the Wildcats to just one hit over the final 3.2 innings. Kentucky's bats were held in check, going 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position and failing to record a two-out hit in the game.

Why it matters

This win evens the series between two top-25 SEC baseball programs, setting up a decisive rubber match on Sunday. The Tigers bounced back after Kentucky pitching dominated the opening game, showing their ability to adjust and shut down a potent Wildcats offense.

The details

William Schmidt (4-1) was the star for LSU, scattering six hits and two walks over 5.1 scoreless innings. The Tigers' bullpen, led by Zac Cowan's 3.2 innings of one-hit relief, completed the shutout. Kentucky starter Nate Harris (3-2) struggled with control, walking five batters and allowing five runs over 4.2 innings. Mason Braun's three-run homer in the fourth inning broke the game open for LSU.

  • The series opener was played on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The shutout victory for LSU occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • The series will conclude on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET.

The players

William Schmidt

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the LSU Tigers who tossed 5.1 scoreless innings in the win.

Zac Cowan

A senior right-handed pitcher for the LSU Tigers who earned the long save with 3.2 innings of one-hit relief.

Nate Harris

The Kentucky Wildcats' starting pitcher who struggled with control, walking five batters and allowing five runs over 4.2 innings.

Mason Braun

The LSU Tigers' third baseman who hit a three-run homer in the fourth inning to break the game open.

Steven Milam

The LSU Tigers' outfielder who delivered a two-run double in the sixth inning to extend the lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We knew we had to bounce back after yesterday's loss. The guys did a great job of executing the game plan and limiting Kentucky's opportunities.”

— Jay Johnson, LSU Head Coach

“Credit to LSU, they really shut us down today. We'll need to regroup and come out ready to go tomorrow to try and win the series.”

— Nick Mingione, Kentucky Head Coach

What’s next

The series will conclude on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET, with Kentucky's Ben Cleaver (1-1, 2.45 ERA) scheduled to take the mound against an as-yet-unnamed LSU pitcher.

The takeaway

This game showcased LSU's ability to make adjustments and shut down a potent offense after a tough loss in the series opener. The Tigers' pitching staff delivered a dominant performance, setting up a winner-take-all finale on Sunday between these two ranked SEC programs.