On Tuesday Night, the LSU Baseball team will have their final dress rehearsal before entering the first weekend of SEC Play. Through 17 games, the Tigers are the Nation's Top Ranked team with a 16-1 record riding an 11 game win streak as the Tigers have found their rhythm. While there is still plenty of games left in the season, this early portion of the season has answered a ton of questions and has fans making several key takeaways.
Zac Cowan is filling the Griffin Herring Role
During his time at LSU, Griffin Herring wasn't always the closer but, whenever he was deployed it was a massive situation in the game and he'd go on to give LSU multiple innings. Thus far that pitcher has been Wofford transfer Zac Cowan who's posted a 1.23 ERA through 14.2 innings pitched. Thus far Cowan has proven that he can fill the "Stopper" role for LSU and when Gavin Guidry returns LSU's bullpen will only get deeper.
Derek Curiel is the Real Deal
When LSU got Derek Curiel to come to campus rather than the MLB it was massive for the Tigers and while Curiel racked up accolades in the preseason every fan wanted to see it on the field. As Curiel has posted a 4.21 batting average and a .588 On Base Percentage with 21 walks LSU fans are quickly seeing Curiel is as advertised.
At the top of the lineup Curiel has been perfect protection for Jared Jones and Daniel Dickinson consistently reaching base which makes pitching around LSU's duo that much tougher. The most impressive part of Curiel's game has been his patience as you'll often times see a Freshman press when they're at the plate.
LSU's Middle Infield Duo are the X Factors
When LSU brought Daniel Dickinson in via the transfer portal at second base it signaled a move for Steven Milam over to shortstop. Early on while the two are still gaining chemistry they've flashed on defense combining for just two errors. As long as LSU continues to get solid play up the middle from Dickinson and Milam, the Tigers defense as a whole will continue to play at a high level.
Where Daniel Dickinson and Steven Milam are the X Factors for LSU is on offense as they could make or break LSU's season. We saw early on in the season with Dickinson's 6 RBI game against Kansas State that he'll make team's pay for walking Jared Jones. Milam gives LSU a power bat in the bottom half of the lineup and is a key factor in ensuring the lineup turns over. If Dickinson can continue to drive in runs at the top of the order while Milam continues to power the bottom half, LSU is going to be a tough out in SEC Play.
William Schmidt may be a Weekend Starter
Jay Johnson's other massive offseason win was getting Starting Pitcher William Schmidt to camp as he was being projected as a first round pick. The Tigers have been progressively building Schmidt up as he moves to the College Level but, as the staff has built Schmidt up its becoming clearer that he's got the talent to be a Weekend Starter. Schmidt will likely get another weekday start but, as the Tigers get into SEC play, if one of the trio in the weekend rotation struggle Schmidt will be next in line for the job.
Casan Evans is the Closer
Coming into the season, Gavin Guidry was expected to be the closer for Jay Johnson but, as he's missed time Casan Evans has seized the opportunity. This season, Evans has pitched nine innings without allowing a run with a 1-0 record and three saves. In 28 at bats, Evans has given up just two hits while striking out 16 batters as he's looked unhittable at times. Evans fastball slider combination has been impressive and as he continues to progress he'll only get tougher to hit.