LSU has not been in the top eight in the Southeastern Conference standings this late in the season since Smoke Laval was coach, but with a series win at Kentucky this weekend, the Tigers could find themselves among the league’s leaders. The Tigers (29-16-1, 9-11-1) are riding a six-game winning streak that includes a sweep of then-No. 12 South Carolina. As a result of the sweep, Collegebaseballinsider.com named LSU the nation’s “Team of the Week.” LSU will face another top-25 task against No. 18 Kentucky (31-11, 11-10). The Wildcats are on a three-game streak of their own and are 25-2 at home this season. “Winning at home in our league is crucial,” said Kentucky coach John Cohen. “The road is not very kind to any of us, but we have had good fortunes at home.” Kentucky took two of three games this past weekend against No. 20 Vanderbilt and erased a five-run deficit to defeat Marshall on Wednesday. “It’s important that we have to have a good series,” said sophomore outfielder Blake Dean. “We did well against South Carolina, and we need to carry it into this weekend – big time. If we can come out … and at least win two out of three it will put us in good shape.” LSU’s recent success has coincided with timely hitting by many players in the heart of the batting order. During the six-game winning streak, Dean, who usually bats in the No. 4 spot, is batting .480 with three doubles, two home runs and four RBIs. Junior first baseman Matt Clark has a .364 average in the past six games. Freshman shortstop DJ LeMahieu has a .348 average during the past two weeks. He enters the game on a 12-game hitting streak. “Our offensive numbers have not been that bad all year” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri. “I’ve always known the talent was there.” Kentucky leads the SEC in batting with a .325 average and a 3.45 ERA. The Wildcats have the conference’s leading batter in senior first baseman Sawyer Carroll, who has a .431 average. “Overall, I’m really pleased with the effort my kids are giving and their focus level,” Cohen said. Junior Blake Martin (2-3, 4.71 ERA) will get the start for LSU on Friday. Junior Jordan Brown (3-0, 4.30 ERA) will start Saturday, and junior Ryan Verdugo (7-2, 3.26 ERA) will pitch the series finale Sunday.
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