LSU has been a model of consistency, losing consecutive games only once all season. The Tigers have won 13 straight and have run away with their three victories in the College World Series.
Designated hitter Blake Dean has added 114 points (from .221 to .335) to his average since March 21 and leads a red-hot offense. The Tigers are so talented that first-round draft choice Jared Mitchell (.329) bats sixth or seventh in the order.
They’ve got grit, too. Third baseman Derek Helenihi has twice lost his spot in the starting lineup, yet keeps battling his way back. Shortstop Austin Nola worked his way into the starting lineup as a freshman playing the most important position on defense.
They’ve got the freakish talent of Chad Jones — who went from starting outfielder, to spring football practice, then to left-handed setup reliever. Jones (.324 average), Tyler Hanover (.317) and Leon Landry (.305) can’t get in the lineup, even though they’ve spent portions of the season as starters.
They have a pair of bona fide aces on the mound in Louis Coleman (14-2, 2.68 ERA) and Anthony Ranaudo (11-3, 2.87, 155 strikeouts), and a closer in Matty Ott who has walked only five batters while striking out 66 in 47.1 innings.
Their coach, Paul Mainieri, says he never wanted to be a major league player — he always wanted to be a college baseball coach. And he’s loving every second of LSU’s trip to the championship series, creating a relaxed vibe that runs throughout a team that is polished both on the field and in front of reporters.
This program is hitting on all cylinders — the Tigers are 80-19 dating back to April 22, 2008.
LSU will win if: The offense continues to produce big numbers (10.7 runs per game in the CWS, 9.0 runs per game during the past eight games, 8.5 runs during the 13-game winning streak) and gets expected strong performances from game one starter Coleman and co-ace Ranaudo. If LSU wins tonight, it could push Ranaudo back to a potential game three on Wednesday, giving him four days rest, if it goes that far.
— Rob White
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