Tigers 'slam' West Virginia in super regional opener
SATURDAY'S GAME — LSU 16, West Virginia 9.
SUNDAY'S GAME — 5 p.m. / ESPN2
For all its thrills and chills over the years, LSU had never hit matching grand slams in the NCAA tournament's super regional era.
Mark another one off the bucket list as the Tigers used two of them — bases-loaded bombs by Steven Milam and Josh Pearson — to slam West Virginia 16-9 in the Baton Rouge super regional opener.
They came in handy as West Virginia actually out-hit LSU 11-8, but the Tigers took advantage of eight walks and five hit batters and scored 11 of their runs on just three big swings of the bat.
Derek Curiel's 3-run homer in the fourth inning — the Tigers first hit of the game — gave LSU the lead for good, 3-1, and Steven Milam and Josh Pearson hit their grand slams in the fifth and sixth innings respectively.
'I thought it was a complete performance,' LSU coach Jay Johnson said. 'The hits didn't come the first few innings, but made the pitcher work — that was really important.
'Those free bases helped … set the table … It's like turnovers in football, you want to captilalize on them and we certainly did today.'
It left the Tigers (47-15) one win away from reaching the College World Series for the 20th time in school history.
The Tigers will likely send their other ace, righthander Anthony Eyanson (10-2, 2.50), to the mound for Sunday's 5 p.m. game.
The Mountaineers (44-15) are in a super regional for just the second time and looking for a first-ever trip to Omaha.
With LSU's efficient use of eight hits, the Tigers didn't need a vintage performance from ace lefthander Kade Anderson.
It hardly mattered that he gave up season highs both with seven runs and nine hits.
'I wasn't commanding the fastball and working off of that as well,' said Anderson, who took a line drive off his forearm in the second inning but said it didn't bother him. 'They put up a couple of good at-bats but I don't think it was them, bit was just me not making the pitchers when I had to.'
He pitched seven innings and left with a 16-7 lead that allowed the Tigers to finish the game with the nether regions of the bullpen and not use any of the better arms that might be needed to finish the three-game series.
'Proud of Kate,' Johnson said. 'That was not easy. I think everybody can attest that watching the game wasn't easy. Giving everything he had on ever pitch was awesome.
'The sixth and seventh innings, just getting those two innings checked off without having to use somebody else out of the bullpen becomes very valuable, not just today, in tomorrow's game and the rest of the series.
'We won, he's happy we won. He's ticked off because he gave up some hits and runs. Those are usually your highest performers that have that competitive level.'
All 16 LSU runs were scored over the fourth, fifth and six innings. LSU led 10-1 after five innings and 16-5 after six innings.
Curiel added a pair of RBI singles to finish with five RBIs on a 3-for-3 day with three runs scored. Chris Stanfield added a late 2-run single.
At least one Mountaineer wasn't discouraged.
'They could have beat us 40-0 and tomorrow it's still 0-0 at first pitch,' said DH Sam White, who went 3-for-5 and scored three runs. 'It's a series. We don't have to crawl back like it's a regional and win four more. We just got to win two games.'
Johnson certainly isn't assuming anything.
But, he said, 'There's something I feel like I learned in the game today that we need to make some movement on to be better prepared for tomorrow. So use that time well.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
35 minutes ago
Martin's 3 RBI help UCLA beat UTSA 5-2 in Game 1 of Los Angeles Super Regional
LOS ANGELES -- Michael Barnett gave up two runs in six innings, Roman Martin had three RBIs for UCLA and the Bruins rallied to beat UTSA 5-2 on Saturday at the Los Angeles Super Regional in the first-ever matchup between the teams. No. 15 national seed UCLA (46-16) can clinch a berth in the College World Series with a win Sunday in Game 2 of the best-of-three series. Barnett (12-1) gave up six hits with no walks. Jack O'Connor and August Souza each pitched a no-hit inning of relief before Easton Hawk had two strikeouts in a 1-2-3 ninth for his seventh save of the season. Payton Brennan, Cashel Duggar and Phoenix Call each hit a single off starter Zach Royse (9-5) to load the bases in the fourth inning before Brennan scored on Dean West's sacrifice fly to give the Bruins a 3-2 lead. Mason Lytle hit a home run to lead off the game and Caden Miller stole home in the second inning to give UTSA a 2-0 lead. West and Roch Cholowsky hit back-to-back singles before Mulivai Velu drove in West with a double down and Cholowsky scored on a groundout by Martin to make it 2-2. Martin hit a two-out triple in the eighth that drove in two runs to make it 5-2. UCLA, the 2013 CWS champion, is hosting its first super regional since 2019. The Bruins made their seventh super regional berth all time and sixth under coach John Savage. UTSA (47-14) is making its first appearance in the super regionals. The Roadrunners beat Kansas State 10-2 in the opening round of the Austin Regional — the program's first-ever postseason win — and beat No. 2 national seed Texas twice to win their first regional title.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions
Chicago Cubs at Detroit Tigers odds, picks and predictions The Chicago Cubs (40-24) and Detroit Tigers (42-24) wrap up their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Comerica Park in Detroit is set for 1:40 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Cubs vs. Tigers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets. Season series: Tied 1-1 After losing 3-1 in the series opener Friday, the Cubs rolled past the Tigers 6-1 Saturday, hitting 5 home runs and cashing as -111 road favorites. RF Seiya Suzuki led the charge with 2 HRs, while CF Pete Crow-Armstrong, 1B Michael Busch and 3B Matt Shaw each went yard. Chicago will go for its eighth straight series win on Sunday. The Tigers were limited to just 1 run on 6 hits by Cubs SP Jameson Taillon (7 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5K) and 2 relievers, which helped the Under (8.5) cash for the second game in a row. The Tigers' lone run came on a fielder's choice by C Jake Rogers, cutting the deficit to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning. The loss ended Detroit's 5-game home win streak. Cubs at Tigers projected starters RHP Cade Horton vs. RHP Jack Flaherty Horton (3-0, 3.51 ERA) is making his fifth start and sixth career appearance. He has a 1.21 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 in 25 2/3 innings. Last start: Win, 5 1/3 IP, 1 ER (3 R), 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K in 8-3 victory at Washington Nationals Tuesday 2025 road stats: 2-0, 3.07 ERA (14 2/3 IP, 5 ER), 1.30 WHIP, 6.8 K/9 in 3 games (2 starts) The 23-year-old rookie has never faced the Tigers Flaherty (4-6, 3.72 ERA) is making his 13th start. He has a 1.09 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 10.5 K/9 in 65 1/3 innings. Last start: Win, 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K in 13-1 victory at Chicago White Sox Monday 2025 home stats: 2-3, 3.03 ERA (32 2/3 IP, 11 ER), 0.95 WHIP, 12.4 K/9 in 6 starts Career vs. Cubs: 3-4, 3.67 ERA (68 2/3 IP, 28 ER), 1.22 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 in 17 games (15 starts); last faced them in 2023 Win your fantasy baseball league with For decades, BHQ has been helping players just like you win! BHQ offers full-season subscriptions. Sign up today and start winning! Cubs at Tigers odds Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:49 p.m. ET. Moneyline (ML) : Cubs +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Tigers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) : Cubs +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Tigers -145 (bet $145 to win $100) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS) : Cubs +1.5 (-185) | Tigers -1.5 (+150) : Cubs +1.5 (-185) | Tigers -1.5 (+150) Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -115 | U: -105) Cubs at Tigers picks and predictions Prediction Cubs 4, Tigers 2 BET CUBS (+120). This weekend series featuring 2 division leaders has lived up to the hype. With how evenly matched these teams are, there's solid value in backing Chicago at +120 on the moneyline. The Cubs own the best road record in baseball at 20-13 and lead the league in road batting average (.274) and road home runs (62). Suzuki has been a force on the road, batting .309 with 12 of his 16 HRs coming away from home. Busch has also thrived on the road, hitting .303 with 8 of his 10 homers coming away from Wrigley. Given the Cubs' road success and the value in the number, CHICAGO (+120) looks like the smart play in Sunday's series finale at Comerica Park. PASS. No need to play with the run line when we're getting the Cubs ML at plus money. BET UNDER 8 (-105). The Under has hit in both games of this series and looks like a strong play again Sunday. The Cubs are 7-2-1 to the Under in their last 10 games, including 4 straight. Meanwhile, Detroit has stayed Under in 3 consecutive games. Flaherty is 2-1-1 to the Under in his last 4 starts, while Horton is 1-1-1 in his last 3. Expect another low-scoring battle. Play our free daily Pick'em Challenge and win! Play now! For more sports betting picks and tips, check out and BetFTW. Follow @DrewPhelps05 on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
FSU baseball vs. Oregon State: Live coverage of Corvallis Super Regional Game Two
FSU baseball vs. Oregon State: Live coverage of Corvallis Super Regional Game Two The FSU Seminoles are playing the Oregon State Beavers in Game Two of the Corvallis Super Regional on Saturday for a spot in the College World Series. The Seminoles need to win to keep their season alive, while Oregon State can punch their ticket to the CWS with the win. The Beavers won the first game 5-4, walking off the game in the 10th inning. The Seminoles led 4-1 entering the ninth inning, but Joe Charles was unable to close the door. They started the rally with a double before two quick outs had FSU one out away from winning the game. A walk brought the tying run to the plate and a single loaded the bases. A wild pitch got the tying run into scoring position and another single tied the game and forced extra innings. They won the game in the 10th inning after a leadoff double and an infield single put runners at the corners with nobody out. AJ Singer ended the game with a single to center, stunning FSU's fans. The Seminoles are not dead yet, and they are favored in Saturday's game. Ace Jamie Arnold will start for the Seminoles, and they are the home team after being on the road yesterday. FSU has advanced to the CWS just once after losing Game One, forcing Game Three two other times, and getting swept seven times. Follow along for live updates and highlights for Game Two between FSU and Oregon State. Peyton Prescott walked the leadoff batter but responded with three straight strikeouts to end the game and force a do-or-die Game Three on Sunday. Max Williams started the inning with a single and got to third on a well-executed hit-and-run by Cal Fisher to put runners on the corners with one out. Drew Faurot struckout, but James Hankerson Jr. drew a walk to load the bases for Jaxson West with two outs. He drew another walk to drive in Williams and put FSU up 3-1. Peyton Prescott inherited a runner on first with nobody out after a leadoff walk. He got a strikeout before getting an inning-ending double play. Maison Martinez walked the leadoff batter and was replaced by Peyton Prescott with the tying run on first and nobody out. Martinez got just one out. Drew Faurot started the seventh inning with a walk, ending Ethan Kleinschmit's exceptional start. James Hankerson Jr. pinch-hit for Brody DeLamielleure but hit into a fielder's choice. Jaxson West singled, getting Hankerson Jr. into scoring position before Chase Williams lined out to the centerfielder and put the pressure on Gage Harrelson. FSU's leadoff man came through, singling to left center and giving FSU the 2-1 lead. The hit forced Oregon State to make another pitching change as Alex Lodise was up with runners on the corners and two outs. He was unable to add on, striking out for the second time. Kleinschmit allowed one unearned run in 6.0 innings on two hits and three walks. He struckout 11 batters. Martinez replaced Arnold with two outs in the sixth and got it done, striking out Aiva Arquette on three pitches to keep it tied. It is his first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Jamie Arnold's start came to an end in the sixth inning as Maison Martinez was called upon to face Aiva Arquette with one runner on and two outs. Arnold allowed one run over 6.2 innings on six hits and one walk. The lefty struckout nine batters. Oregon State's Ethan Kleinschmit continued to dominate FSU's lineup, recording two more strikeouts and is up to 11 on the day. FSU has not gotten a hit since the third inning. Oregon State got its first hit since the second inning but Jamie Arnold was unfazed. He got a strikeout and two quick flyouts to end the threat. He has seven strikeouts on the day. Gage Harrelson worked a two-out walk for the Seminoles, but that was all they managed as Alex Lodise grounded out to end the inning. Arnold looks to be in control and retired the Beavers in order in the fifth inning, the second straight inning he has done so. After throwing 50 pitches through two innings, he is at 87 through five. FSU's offense was unable to get anything going in the fourth as Ethan Kleinschmit struck out the side. He is up to nine strikeouts in the game but has thrown 75 pitches. Arnold had his best inning of the game, retiring the Beavers in order for the first time. He picked up his fifth strikeout of the day and is at 73 pitches through four, and looks to have settled in nicely. Jaxson West reached on an error to start the inning and the Seminoles took advantage. Chase Williams and Gage Harrelson both struckout before Alex Lodise walked. That set up Max Williams, who delivered an RBI single to score West and make it a 1-1 game. The lengthy inning drove Ethan Kleinschmit's pitch count to 59. Jamie Arnold had a much-needed quick inning in the top of the third, using just 12 pitches to retire the side. He got some help from Alex Lodise, who made a great sliding play on a grounder up the middle for an out. He is up to 62 pitches through three innings and has allowed a baserunner every inning. FSU got its first baserunner of the game on a two-out double by Drew Faurot. He was stranded there as Brody DeLamielleure struckout to end the inning. The Seminoles have struckout four times through two innings. Oregon State threatened to add on in the second inning with back-to-back one-out singles. Arnold rallied to strand both runners but has thrown 50 pitches through two innings. The Seminoles were unable to get anything going in the bottom of the first inning as Gage Harrelson grounded out sharply before Alex Lodise and Max Williams struckout swinging. Oregon State starter Ethan Kleinschmit needed 19 pitches in the inning. Oregon State was able to get to Jamie Arnold in the top of the first inning. Aiva Arquette hit a one-out single and stole second with two outs. That proved costly for the Seminoles as Wilson Weber singled to left to drive him in and give the Beavers an early lead. Arnold recorded two strikeouts and limited the damage to one run, but he needed 29 pitches to complete the inning. How to watch FSU vs. Oregon State Date: Saturday, June 7 Saturday, June 7 Time: 9 p.m. ET 9 p.m. ET TV: ESPN2 ESPN2 Streaming: ESPN+ The game between FSU and Oregon State will start at 9 p.m. ET at Goss Stadium at Coleman Field in Corvallis, Oregon. The matchup will be streamed on ESPN+ on Saturday with Roxy Bernstein and Devon Travis on the call. The Seminoles are 12-7 on the road this season, Oregon State is 22-3 at home. The pitching matchup for FSU vs. Oregon State OSU: LHP Ethan Kleinschmit (8-3, 3.70 ERA) LHP Ethan Kleinschmit (8-3, 3.70 ERA) FSU: LHP Jamie Arnold (8-2, 3.12 ERA) The Seminoles will have their ace and one of the top pitchers in the country on the mound in Arnold with the season on the line. Oregon State is starting Kleinschmit, who has been excellent lately. He has allowed just two earned runs in his last two starts over 13.2 innings on six hits, recording 13 strikeouts. How to listen to the game between FSU and Oregon State You can listen to every Florida State baseball game on the radio this season. All games will be carried locally in Tallahassee on WFLA 100.7 FM and if you are out of town, you can listen on the official site for Florida State athletics or through the FSU Gameday App. Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.
