Two LSU baseball stars make SEC all-freshman team
A pair of LSU baseball freshmen earned recognition from the SEC following their first regular season with the Tigers.
Derek Curiel and Casan Evans were named to the conference's All-Freshman team among a group of 12 newcomers. In addition, the conference named Curiel to the second team among its best outfielders and hitters.
Multiple outlets listed Curiel as the top prospect in his class and he lived up to the hype during his rookie year in Baton Rouge as the everyday left fielder. His approach at the plate gets him on base at an impressive clip, ranking among the conference's best hitters.
Evans, a right-handed pitcher, carved out a critical role as a reliever. With a sub-two ERA, the freshman hurler pitched so well out of the bullpen that he was tabbed the Sunday starter late into SEC play for three-straight contests. Evans pitched three or more innings six times against conference opponents.
Derek Curiel
Curiel's .465 on-base percentage ranks tenth in the conference while his 72 hits and 41 walks are both tied for seventh. He finishes the regular season tied for the team lead with a .344 batting average and a team-best 15 doubles along with 53 runs and 45 RBI.
In a lineup filled with reliable hitters, Curiel relies on patience and base running to make an impact at the dish. His place among the best hitters in the conference solidifies him as a piece to build the program around for the future.
Casan Evans
Evans, alongside first-team All-SEC selection Zac Cowan, earned high leverage appearances as a reliever in his inaugural season with LSU. His 1.96 ERA ranks eighth in the conference but it was among the top five before he got innings as a starter.
The right-hander allowed just nine earned runs through 41.1 innings pitched. He has 53 strikeouts and eclipsed five or more five times this season. Evans' efforts as a reliever gave him a chance as the Sunday starter.
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