LSU’s full schedule and roster for the 2017 season was released Wednesday.
The Tigers open the season Feb. 17 against Air Force at Alex Box Stadium.
LSU’s full six-week fall practice period will begin Sept. 25.
The Tigers return eight position players and two of their top pitchers, senior Jared Poche’ and junior Alex Lange, from a squad that advanced to the NCAA Super Regional last season.
“[Hitting coach] Andy Cannizaro and I were just saying that our best class may have come with the veteran players who decided to stay here,” said LSU coach Paul Mainieri, in a press release. “It’s pretty remarkable to have four drafted players of that caliber remain in school, and we’re very grateful that they made the decision.”
Besides LSU players who decided to opt into the MLB Draft, the Tigers will lose outfielder Cody Ducote who has decided to leave the program in pursuit of his degree.
Infielder O’Neal Lochridge was declared medically disqualified due to a back injury he suffered last season. Mainieri also said in the press release that hopefully pitcher Alden Cartwright and redshirt freshman Nick Bush will be healthy this season.
The Tigers non-conference slate features a trip to Houston for the Shriners Hospitals College Classic at Minute Maid Park. LSU will play Baylor, Texas Tech and TCU on March 3-5.
LSU opens up Southeastern Conference play against Georgia on March 17 at Alex Box Stadium.
“We’re going to play 22 games against teams that were in regionals last season, and that’s 40 percent of our schedule,” Mainieri said. “I think our fans will enjoy watching us compete against some outstanding clubs throughout the year.”
Full schedule listed below: