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LSU Baseball Faces Adversity Before SEC Play
Defending national champion Tigers drop 3 of last 4 games ahead of conference schedule
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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The LSU Tigers baseball team, the defending national champions, have hit a rough patch, dropping 3 of their last 4 games before the start of SEC play. Head coach Jay Johnson acknowledged his team's struggles, saying "Their pitchers were around the plate, they mixed well, and their defense picked them up. Credit to them, but we need to play better." The Tigers will look to hit the reset button and get ready for their SEC opener against Vanderbilt this weekend.
Why it matters
As the defending national champions, LSU was expected to be one of the top teams in college baseball this season. The recent losses, including a series defeat to Sacramento State, are a setback that could impact their momentum heading into the critical SEC schedule. How the Tigers respond to this adversity will be crucial to their hopes of returning to the College World Series.
The details
Over a four-game stretch, the LSU offense struggled mightily, with the Tigers dropping a series to Sacramento State after also losing to Northeastern and UL-Lafayette. Sophomore right-hander Casan Evans had a dominant outing in the lone win, firing 5.2 perfect innings. Other bright spots included junior outfielder Jake Brown tying an LSU single-game record with 3 home runs, and sophomore outfielder Derek Curiel batting .467 on the week.
- On March 4, LSU lost 2-7 to UL-Lafayette.
- On March 6, LSU won 15-4 over Sacramento State in 7 innings.
- On March 7, LSU lost 4-5 to Sacramento State.
- On March 8, LSU lost 1-6 to Sacramento State.
The players
Jay Johnson
The head coach of the LSU Tigers baseball team, the defending national champions.
Jake Brown
A junior right fielder for the LSU Tigers who tied the LSU single-game record with 3 home runs in a game.
Casan Evans
A sophomore right-handed pitcher for the LSU Tigers who had a dominant outing, firing 5.2 perfect innings.
Derek Curiel
A sophomore center fielder for the LSU Tigers who batted .467 on the week.
What they’re saying
“Their pitchers were around the plate, they mixed well, and their defense picked them up. Credit to them, but we need to play better.”
— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (SI.com)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This recent rough patch for the defending national champion LSU Tigers serves as a wake-up call ahead of the critical SEC schedule. How the team responds to this adversity will be crucial to their hopes of returning to the College World Series and defending their title.
