In its first Southeastern Conference series of the season, LSU will try to curb a losing trend against Auburn at Alex Box Stadium this weekend.
The Tigers (19-2, 2-1 SEC) haven’t seemed to figure out Auburn (15-6, 0-3 SEC), as it has taken three straight series from LSU dating back to 2009-10 – a time period
containing SEC Tournament championships and super regional appearances.
“Thanks for the reminder,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said with a grin when asked about the losing streak. “For a while, we played really great against Auburn … [but] Auburn has changed the way they play.”
Transitioning from a power-hitting ball club with subpar pitching to one that dominates on the mound, Auburn presents a much tougher task than its 0-3 conference record indicates, according to Mainieri.
Starting southpaws Daniel Koger and Michael O’Neal will anchor the Auburn rotation, coupled with lefty junior closer Conner Kendrick – a frightening thought for LSU, which has struggled with left-handed pitching at points during the season.
“We’ve seen enough lefties this year … the hard throwers, soft-tossing guys, a good mix of them,” said senior first baseman Mason Katz. “We’re prepared for anything.”
Katz, whose nine home runs outnumber the entire Auburn roster’s total, shook off the team’s perceived struggles against left-handers – a night removed from Northwestern State lefty Cody Butler’s nine-inning outing where LSU managed only six hits.
“It was one of those days where the wind was blowing in,” Katz said. “It eliminated everything to left field, which had been our power strength.”
To prepare for the barrage of left-handed pitching his team will see this weekend, Mainieri said he’s weighing right-handed designated hitter options for both Friday and Saturday.
“I’d really like to see someone emerge and be the best option,” Mainieri said. “Be that difference-maker.”
Sophomore righty Aaron Nola will look to put together a complete start after two inconsistent outings.
In his start two weeks ago against Washington, Nola carried a perfect game into the seventh inning before unraveling to give up four runs on five hits. Last Friday against Mississippi State, Nola surrendered a two-run homer in the first inning before settling in for five and two-thirds strong innings.
“It’s another SEC school that’s going to be really good,” Nola said. “Forgetting about the runs you give up early in the game is huge. Our guys are going to go out and make all the plays behind me and give me run support.”
With only four hitters hitting over .300, Auburn may not present a stout challenge at the plate – but the numbers don’t fool Mainieri or his players.
“They’ve got some good, solid hitters,” Mainieri said. “It’s going to be a lot of tight balsams. You’re going to have to pitch great on your end and make them earn what you get.”
