LSU Baseball unveils Opening Day lineup for showdown against Milwaukee

The moment LSU Baseball fans have been waiting for is finally here. Opening Day of the 2026 college baseball season gives every program in the country new hope as a new chapter begins.

Head coach Jay Johnson has the Tigers riding high with two National Championships in the last three seasons, and expectations are high heading into the new campaign. LSU is ranked No. 1 in the country in the USA Today Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll, and was picked to win the SEC by the league's head coaches earlier this month.

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LSU is set to begin the new season on Friday afternoon at Alex Box Stadium against Milwaukee. With first pitch quickly approaching, Johnson has unveiled the official lineup card for Game No. 1.

LSU reveals lineup card for Opening Day matchup against Milwaukee

Here is how the Tigers line up against Milwaukee in the season opener:

1. Chris Stanfield, LF

2. Derek Curiel, CF

3. Steven Milam, SS

4. Jake Brown, RF

5. Zach Yorke, 1B

6. Cade Arrambide, C

7. Mason Braun, DH

8. Brayden Simpson, 2B

9. Trent Caraway, 3B

SP: Casan Evans

The top of the order featuring Stanfield, Curiel, Milam, and Brown gives LSU arguably the best 1-4 hitters in the country. Adding Grand Canyon power-hitting transfer Zach Yorke gives the Tigers even more pop in the middle of the order.

The Tigers and Panthers will play a three-game series on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. LSU won't have much time to regroup following the opening series, as Kent State comes to town on Monday night.

With four games in four days to begin the season, LSU's pitching depth will be tested early. Sophomore right-hander Casan Evans gets the Opening Day nod, with Cooper Moore starting on Saturday and William Schmidt getting the call on Sunday. The Tigers have plenty of talented relievers, and it will be interesting to see who Johnson turns to early on this season. Getting Gavin Guidry back healthy is a huge boost for the bullpen, and he could be in line for a breakthrough season in 2026.