Tech will travel to #15 LSU tonight for a midweek matchup with the Tigers.
First pitch is at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN+.
LSU is 30-18 overall and 14-10 in SEC play. They’ve underperformed relative to preseason expectations.
RHP Chase Costello will get the start on the mound for the Tigers. Costelle has pitched to a 10.80 ERA in 10 appearances this season. He’s thrown 13.1 innings, allowed 17 hits, walked 11, and struck out 9.
Their top relievers are:
RHP Matthew Beck (2-0, 2.35 ERA, 30.2 IP, 18 hits allowed, 19 BB, and 27 K) – he’ll work into the low 90s, but uses a big 12-6 curveball to put hitters away, can struggle with command
RHP Todd Peterson (3-2, 4.11 ERA, 30.2 IP, 34 hits allowed, 7 BB, and 26 K) – he can run it up to 97, big arm and big personality out of the bullpen, ultimate competitor
RHP Devin Fontenot (4-1, 4.22 ERA, 32 IP, 21 hits allowed, 18 BB, and 31 K) – will be 92-94, has served as the closer most of the year, has 6 saves
I’d imagine we could see a bunch of arms, but we’ll see.
Offensive names to know:
SS Josh Smith -- .352, 7 home runs, 28 RBI, and 15 stolen bases – not the biggest kid, but a pure hitter, good pull side power
CF Zach Watson -- .337, 5 home runs, 30 RBI, and 10 stolen bases – played his HS ball at West Ouachita, really strong hands and wrist that creates a lot of power for 165 pound kids, best defensive OF in college baseball
RF Antoine Duplantis -- .310, 8 home runs, and 50 RBI – all-time hits leader at LSU, has shown more power as a senior than he ever has, he’s a CF that is playing RF, not a great arm
3B Chris Reid -- .303, 1 home run, and 26 RBI – was cut after last season, Mainieri said he didn’t have a spot for him, Mainieri called him back after the fall said he had a spot if he wanted to return, he came back, he’s now starting at 3B and hitting in the middle of the lineup, remarkable story, .441 OBP
LF Daniel Cabrera -- .292, 9 home runs, and 39 RBI, -- probably the most talented hitter on their team, power to all fields, easy to dislike with how he carries himself on the field at times
1B Cade Beloso -- .285, 8 home runs, and 41 RBI – has had a big freshman season, not a very discipline hitter, bad body, bad defender.
Overall, LSU has been hit with a ton of injuries this year. They’ve had four position player starters missed extended time along with 3 pitchers out for season and another 2 that have been hurt.
https://latech.rivals.com/news/bleedtechblue-preview-diamond-dogs-travel-to-15-lsu
