Predicting LSU baseball pitching availability vs. Arkansas on Wednesday
Predicting LSU baseball pitching availability vs. Arkansas on Wednesday
LSU baseball survived a two-day game in the College World Series, defeating UCLA 9-5 on Tuesday after a rain delay on Monday.
The sides combined for seven runs in the first inning, capped by Jared Jones' three-run home run. From there, a pitching chess game ensued as the Bruins pulled their starter in the second inning. Anthony Eyanson cruised through the second and third frames but didn't return for the resumption.
Casan Evans, Cooper Williams, and Chase Shores combined to keep UCLA at bay on Tuesday. LSU's bullpen looks strong ahead of a rematch with either the Bruins or Arkansas on Wednesday. LSU owns a 3-1 record over the Razorbacks in 2025, including a 4-1 victory in the College World Series opener.
After the game, LSU head coach Jay Johnson said he hadn't thought much about LSU's pitching plan for Wednesday. At that point, Johnson didn't even know the opponent yet. But we do now as the Tigers are set for a rematch with Arkansas.
LSU's pitching staff is in a good spot thanks to Kade Anderson's performance in the opener and Evans' lengthy relief outing.
Here is a projected availability for LSU's pitching staff ahead of Wednesday's game.
Definitely Available
Chase Shores: The right-hander had a light workload on Tuesday, throwing 11 pitches through 1.1 innings. It would be Shores' third appearance in three games in Omaha, but Shores is yet to be taxed. Shores will likely be the first option out of the bullpen on Wednesday as he can go a full inning and get multiple outs.
Zac Cowan: Since his last appearance came in the regional, Cowan is well rested and can go multiple innings on Wednesday. When Cowan is on, he's one of the top pitchers in the SEC. But he's struggled to consistently throw strikes in recent weeks.
Jaden Noot: Though he has yet to pitch in the College World Series, Noot will likely see work on Wednesday if reliable bullpen options get stretched thin.
Mavrick Rizy: Johnson has already turned to Rizy three times in the postseason, and he hasn't allowed an earned run since April 26. If LSU has to play Wednesday and Thursday, Rizy will certainly see action in Omaha.
Conner Ware: Ware last pitched vs. South Carolina on May 15, but he's another name to watch if LSU's bullpen is tested.
Probably Available
Cooper Williams: Against UCLA, Williams made 21 pitches and surrendered two walks. He got just one out before being lifted. Since his pitch count is low, he could go an inning or two but Johnson may use him more situationally depending on batters.
Anthony Eyanson: Eyanson threw 44 pitches through three innings on Tuesday and looked primed for a deep run. Since he has a day of rest on a low pitch count, the right-hander could be used for an inning or against specific hitters.
Unavailable
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