LSU Catcher Injured in Collision at Home Plate

Freshman Omar Serna exits game after crash with teammate Garrett Wright.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:03pm

LSU baseball freshman catcher Omar Serna was forced to exit Sunday's game against Tennessee after colliding with center fielder Garrett Wright on a play at home plate in the third inning. The nature and severity of Serna's injury are still unknown.

Why it matters

Injuries to key players can significantly impact a team's performance and playoff chances, especially early in the season. LSU is currently ranked #6 in the nation and has high hopes for a deep postseason run, so losing their starting catcher could be a major setback.

The details

The collision occurred as Serna was attempting to tag out a Tennessee runner at home plate. Serna and Wright both went for the ball and crashed into each other, with Serna appearing to take the brunt of the impact. He remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped off the field by trainers.

  • The incident happened in the third inning of Sunday's game between LSU and Tennessee.
  • The game was played on April 5, 2026.

The players

Omar Serna

A freshman catcher for the LSU baseball team.

Garrett Wright

The starting center fielder for the LSU baseball team.

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What they’re saying

“Anytime you see one of your players go down like that, it's concerning. We'll have to evaluate Omar's condition and see how he's doing.”

— Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball Head Coach

What’s next

LSU's coaching staff will provide an update on Serna's condition and status for future games once he has been evaluated by the team's medical staff.

The takeaway

This collision is a reminder of the physical risks and potential for injury that come with the high-intensity nature of college baseball. LSU will need to carefully manage Serna's recovery to ensure he can return to the field as soon as possible without risking further harm.