LSU defeated Central Arkansas 4-3 on Monday at The Box to close out their opening weekend. The game played out in a similar fashion to the Tigers’ win against the Bears on Saturday, characterized by low scoring and strong performances on defense.
Head coach Jay Johnson put out another new lineup, starting Jake Brown in center field, Josh Pearson in right field, keeping Steven Milam at second base and returning Brady Neal behind the plate. Kade Anderson also registered his first start for the Tigers.
LSU has had a different lineup in all four games to start the year, showcasing how versatile this squad can be.
“We have a lot of talented guys that can do a lot of different things. That shows our depth. We’re prepared to play any type of game,” Jared Jones said about the changes in each lineup throughout the weekend.
Following Sunday’s record-breaking win against VMI, many expected another shootout from LSU. Unfortunately, hits were scarce for the majority of the game after the Tigers jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning with a handful of singles.
Jones shined in what was a relatively gloomy game for LSU, continuing his hot streak by registering yet another home run. His bomb in Monday’s game marks his third in four games for the purple and gold.
“I really enjoy the game of baseball and just want to have as much fun as possible,” Jones said about his home runs. “I think [hitting home runs] is pretty fun, so as long as I’m doing that, I have a smile on my face.”
Outside of Jones’ homer, the Tigers only managed five hits. Third baseman Tommy White accounted for two of those with a pair of singles, and Milam added a single of his own to continue his solid start to the season.
Defense was where the Tigers earned their win. Anderson started on the mound for LSU and put in four innings of work, registering six strikeouts, three walks and allowing only one run.
Christian Little replaced Anderson at the mound for his 2024 debut, allowing one run, one strikeout and one walk. DJ Primeaux took the mound for one batter, but was quickly replaced by Gavin Guidry, who tallied two strikeouts of his own.
Justin Loer replaced Guidry, striking out three batters in the eighth inning and allowing one run. Fidel Ulloa finished the game without allowing any runs to secure the victory for the Tigers.
The win today keeps LSU undefeated, moving to 4-0 to start their season as they look to return to Omaha.
LSU will be back in Alex Box Stadium to play alternating games against Northern Illinois and Stony Brook through the weekend, starting on Thursday.
