LSU's Mason Braun delivers big game in win over Kentucky

Freshman first baseman's breakout performance provides boost for struggling Tigers offense

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:21pm

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LSU baseball freshman first baseman Mason Braun had a standout game against Kentucky, going 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and four RBIs to help the Tigers to a 7-0 victory. Braun's big day came after he had struggled recently, falling out of the lineup as a regular. Meanwhile, LSU sophomore pitcher William Schmidt turned in his best outing of the season, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings.

Why it matters

LSU's offense has struggled lately, going 9-10 over their last 19 games. Braun's emergence as a power threat could provide a much-needed boost to the lineup, especially with the Tigers' four returning starters from last year's national championship team not fully clicking yet.

The details

Braun, the No. 1 ranked first baseman in the nation coming out of high school, was not expected to be a major contributor as a freshman. But he impressed in preseason scrimmages and earned a starting spot on opening day. After a promising start, Braun had fallen into a slump, going hitless since March 8. However, he broke out of that funk on Saturday, doubling in a run in the second inning before blasting a three-run home run in the fourth.

  • On March 8, Braun recorded his last hit before Saturday's game.
  • On Saturday, March 28, Braun went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and four RBIs in LSU's 7-0 win over Kentucky.

The players

Mason Braun

A highly touted freshman first baseman for LSU who was the No. 1 ranked player at his position coming out of high school. After impressing in the preseason, he had struggled recently before breaking out with a big game against Kentucky.

William Schmidt

A sophomore right-handed pitcher for LSU who made his third career SEC start on Saturday, tossing 5.1 scoreless innings with six hits and two walks allowed.

Zac Cowan

A senior right-handed pitcher for LSU who came on in relief of Schmidt, throwing 3.2 more scoreless innings to preserve the shutout.

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU baseball team, who decided to keep Braun in the lineup despite his recent struggles.

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What they’re saying

“Despite arriving in Baton Rouge as the No. 1 first baseman in the nation, according to Perfect Game, Braun was not expected to be a significant contributor for LSU as a freshman.”

— KOKI RILEY, Author

What’s next

LSU will look to carry the momentum from Saturday's win over Kentucky into the rest of their SEC schedule. The Tigers will face the Wildcats again on Sunday, with Zac Cowan a potential candidate to start on the mound.

The takeaway

Braun's breakout performance provides a much-needed boost for an LSU offense that has struggled lately. If the freshman can continue to produce, he could emerge as a key piece for the Tigers as they look to build on last year's national championship run.