LSU Baseball Sweeps Milwaukee to Start Season

Tigers' offense shines as team finds early footing under new head coach Jay Johnson

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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LSU baseball team got a sweep over Milwaukee to start the season, winning the final game 21-7 in seven innings. Head coach Jay Johnson met with the media after the game, discussing the strong performances from the pitching staff, the versatility of the lineup, and the team's high standards as they continue their 10-day stretch with eight games early in the year.

Why it matters

The reigning national champions are looking to build on their success as they begin a new season under first-year head coach Jay Johnson. The early sweep over Milwaukee showcases the depth and talent of the LSU roster as they set a high bar for themselves and look to maintain their status as one of the top college baseball programs in the country.

The details

LSU's pitching staff had a strong opening weekend, with the starters and bullpen combining for nine strikeouts over the three-game series. Coach Johnson praised the staff's ability to throw strikes and execute at a high level, noting that the team has even more depth that they haven't utilized yet. The lineup also showed its versatility, with Johnson making several changes to the starting nine in the final game and getting nearly every player an at-bat over the weekend. Standout performances came from Jake Brown, who hit two home runs including a grand slam in the finale.

  • LSU completed the sweep over Milwaukee on Sunday, February 16, 2026.
  • The Tigers have Kent State coming to their home field, The Box, on Monday, February 17, 2026 with first pitch at 6 p.m.

The players

Jay Johnson

The head coach of the LSU baseball team, in his first season leading the reigning national champions.

Jake Brown

A key player for LSU who hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in the final game of the series against Milwaukee.

William Schmidt

An LSU pitcher who struck out a lot of batters in his outing, though he ran into some trouble in the third inning before settling down.

Deven Sheerin

An LSU pitcher who came in and executed a well-communicated game plan with pitching coach Nate Yeskie.

Chris Stanfield

An LSU player who bruised his hand sliding into home the previous day and may play in the next game against Kent State.

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What they’re saying

“They have tremendous stuff. They are not pigeonholed into pitching a certain way because they all throw a lot of strikes and multiple pitches for strikes and executed at a high level. They did a good job across the board. There are guys we haven't even used yet that we feel are going to be a big part of this. The depth of the staff is certainly a strength and should give us a good chance in every game that we play.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (on3.com)

“It's setting a high bar, the highest bar, for how we do things. It has nothing to do with winning. Some of it may be settling into the season, but we don't want to give any excuse for not operating the way we want to mentally, physically, emotionally, and fundamentally. It's really leaning into when it's hard and maintaining a high standard of everything.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (on3.com)

“Great player. He's one of the keys to our season, and I say that with a lot of excitement because I know the character, the makeup, and the intent. When we have a good message, it's not just coach-to-team, he's going to help filter it through the players. He's a good leader, one of the best I've had in all my years.”

— Jay Johnson, Head Coach (on3.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 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.