Five takeaways from LSU baseball's series win over North Alabama

USA Today

10-03-2025

Five takeaways from LSU baseball's series win over North Alabama
LSU Baseball wrapped up nonconference play with three more wins after a series sweep against North Alabama.
The No. 2 Tigers head into their SEC schedule on an 11-game win streak and a 16-1 record. The lone loss came in game one of a doubleheader against Omaha as the Mavericks took the lead in the top of the eighth and held LSU scoreless in the final two frames.
Since then, LSU picked up a ranked one over No. 18 Dallas Baptist, a 10-inning victory over Kansas State and three wins by run rule. The Tigers scored 10+ runs in eight of the 11 games.
Jared Jones and Derek Curiel are both batting over .420 in 2025 while four other Tigers that have played in all 17 games are batting .320 or better. No batter in the lineup is an easy out, down to usual nine-hole hitter Chris Stanfield, who is batting .320.
LSU's starting pitchers continue to impress as well. Casan Evans and Zac Cowan have the most relief appearances so far while starters Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson both boast sub-one ERAs. Between 17 pitchers who made an appearance so far, the Tigers have 200 strikeouts and a combined 3.02 ERA.
Here are five takeaways from LSU's final weekend of non conference games.
Eyanson settled into Saturday starting role
After giving up two runs in the first inning of Saturday's contest and receiving a mound visit from head coach Jay Johnson, Eyanson locked in.
The right-handed pitcher ended the game with the win and 15 strikeouts, the most by an LSU pitcher since Ty Floyd record 17 in game one of the College World Series Finals. Eyanson retired seven-straight batters on strikes at one point, giving up just two runs on two hits and two walks through seven innings.
Aside from ace Kade Anderson, Johnson now has a reliable Saturday guy in Eyanson who is feeling confident in his pitches and can work through jams during close games.
"He did a really good job of executing," Johnson said. "There's not much to pick at for the last 10 innings of his pitching. It's been pretty quality, exactly what we brought him here for and exactly what we need."
Platoon continues at catcher
Ahead of the 2025 season, Johnson had a tough task on his hands to replace every day catcher Alex Milano. The competition is down to two — transfer Luis Hernandez and freshman Cade Arrambide.
Following this weekend, Hernandez seems to have the edge, notching two of three starts and going three of seven from the plate against North Alabama with a home run. He is batting .270 and regularly teams up with Anderson and Eyanson for their starts. With conference play looming, it will be interesting to see if both catchers are still splitting innings.
LSU's lineup balances patience and aggression at the plate
LSU's mix of transfers and freshmen in its lineup didn't need much time to adjust to Johnson's expectation for competitive at bats. The Tigers are one of four SEC teams with under 100 strikeouts through the first month of the season and are fourth with 117 was drawn.
Seven Tigers had multi-hit games in the series against North Alabama and the team combined for eight homers, including six during Friday's contest. Johnson believes the team's aggressive approaches at the plate are paying off.
"These guys are battling and taking it upon themselves to put the ball in play and put pressure on the opponent and it's been good," Johnson said.
Jones establishes himself as dangerous all-around player
The undisputed team leader, Jones continues to impress Johnson with his approach to the game and discipline at the plate. He clubbed a home run and finished with multiple hits on Saturday and Sunday against the Lions.
"The quality of the at bats have been phenomenal," Johnson said. "His evolution as a hitter and a player is something I'm very proud of from zone management to contact to hitting with runners in scoring position."
Stanfield's importance looms large for Johnson
According to Johnson, Stanfield is "one of the most important players" on the team and sets himself apart as an "electric player" with a "competitive nature." The junior transfer from Auburn continued to show off his athleticism in center field this weekend.
"It's a big deal that he's here," Johnson said. "I'm really proud of how he's evolving as a player and how he's improving. He's really making a big impact.
"He's an electric player. He has God-given ability that you cannot teach and that you don't see in college baseball very frequently when they're that athletic."