The LSU Tigers have surged to a 17-1 start this season, but they’ve managed to do it in an unpredictable way.
In a sport increasingly driven by power hitting and walk-off home runs, LSU has proven that a team doesn’t need this to tack on a win. Instead, the Tigers have leaned on frequent contact, error free defense and mature at bats to earn their way to 17-1.
LSU has hit just 28 home runs through 18 games, placing them in the middle of the SEC leaderboard. Compared to power-heavy teams like Tennessee (49) and Georgia (45), the Tigers’ offensive production seems a little underwhelming for the No. 1 team in the country.
In fact, Jay Johnson’s Tigers are 20th in the country in home run production. Tennessee comes in first with 49, Alabama comes in at fourth with 35, Arkansas at seventh with 33, Mississippi State in 10th with 31 and Auburn at 22nd with 24.
But a closer look at the numbers shows why the Tigers haven’t needed to lean on the long ball to win games.
The Tigers boast a .346 team batting average, ranking third in the SEC. They have already racked up 47 doubles, which is sixth nationally and second in the SEC. As well as three triples, proving they can drive in runs without launching balls over the fence.
Derek Curiel leads the team in on-base percentage, ideal for a leadoff hitter. He has a .450 average, seven doubles and 21 walks.
Jones holds the most power, leading the team in home runs, but he also brings consistency. His average is .448, he has seven home runs and 28 RBI.
Daniel Dickinson is the last name consistently in the top three, combining power and situational hitting. His average is .373 with 27 RBI and six home runs.
One key factor in LSU’s offensive success has been its ability to work the count and get on base. The Tigers have drawn 122 walks while striking out just 106 times, showing a level of discipline that forces pitchers to throw balls over the plate.
While their stolen base numbers aren’t overwhelming – 16 steals in 23 attempts – LSU has used aggressive base running to keep pressure on opponents. Jake Brown (4) and Jones (3) have been effective in taking extra bases when needed.
Defensively, LSU ranks among the best in the SEC, carrying a .978 fielding percentage with only 13 errors in 18 games. You could point to almost any name on the diamond and they’ve likely got a run saving play already this season.
In the SEC, LSU stands out for its balanced approach. Teams like Tennessee and Georgia have built their offensive success around home runs, while LSU has used a more methodical attack.
With SEC play looming this Friday, LSU’s offense will face its biggest test yet. Teams with elite pitching will challenge the Tigers’ ability to manufacture runs, but LSU has already proven it can win games in multiple ways. Whether through clutch hitting, drawing walks, or playing small ball, LSU has found a winning formula that doesn’t require an excessive number of home runs.
As the season progresses, LSU’s ability to maintain this well-rounded approach will determine how far the Tigers can go. For now, they’ve shown that in an era where power is king, baseball fundamentals still matter, and they still win championships.
