VandyBoys Host No. 13 LSU for SEC Opening Weekend

Vanderbilt and LSU open SEC play with a three-game series at Hawkins Field.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Vanderbilt Commodores return home to Hawkins Field this weekend to host the No. 13 LSU Tigers in a three-game series to open SEC play. Vanderbilt enters the weekend at 11-7 overall, while LSU is 13-5 on the season. The series features several key players to watch, including Vanderbilt's Brodie Johnston and Braden Holcomb, and LSU's Jake Brown and William Schmidt.

Why it matters

This SEC opening weekend series is an important early test for both teams as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the conference. Vanderbilt has faced some adversity with injuries early in the season, while LSU has shown flashes of strong play but also some inconsistency. The outcome of this series could set the tone for the rest of the season for both programs.

The details

Vanderbilt and LSU will square off in a three-game series at Hawkins Field, with the first game on Friday at 6:00 pm, the second game on Saturday at 7:00 pm, and the series finale on Sunday at 3:00 pm. The pitching matchups feature Vanderbilt's Connor Fennell vs. LSU's Casan Evans on Friday, Wyatt Nadeau vs. Cooper Moore on Saturday, and Nate Taylor vs. William Schmidt on Sunday.

  • The series begins on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 6:00 pm.
  • The second game is on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:00 pm.
  • The series concludes on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm.

The players

Brodie Johnston

Vanderbilt's starting third baseman, he has been one of the Commodores' most dangerous hitters early in the season, batting .382 with 7 home runs and a 1.257 OPS.

Braden Holcomb

Vanderbilt's starting center fielder, he leads the team with 10 home runs and 31 RBIs while hitting .353 with a 1.278 OPS, making him Vanderbilt's most consistent run producer so far this season.

Jake Brown

LSU's starting right fielder, he has been the centerpiece of the Tigers' offense early in the season, hitting .413 with 9 home runs, 28 RBIs, and a 1.336 OPS.

William Schmidt

LSU's starting right-handed pitcher, he has emerged as one of the Tigers' most effective arms so far, recording a 2.45 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

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 case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.