This weekend, the LSU Baseball team picked up a massive series victory over the defending National Champion Tennessee Volunteers. The Tigers clinched the series winning the rubber matchup on Sunday Afternoon thanks in massive part to the performance of true freshman outfielder Derek Curiel. On Saturday, Curiel had his 43 game on base streak snapped marking the first time in his career he hasn't reached base.
On Sunday, Curiel started a new streak in a massive way with a 4-4 day at the plate hitting a home run, 2 doubles, 5 RBIs, and a walk. The massive showing was the biggest of what has been an incredible season and may be the performance that cements Curiel as the top freshman in the Country.
On the season, Derek Curiel is hitting an incredible .373 with a .495 on base percentage with 41 RBIs and 37 walks. After Curiel's massive game, College Baseball analysts around the Country are giving him his flowers as the best Freshman in the sport.
Curiel's ability to turn around a slider in the bottom of the first inning blasting it into the Diamond Deck was just another great example of his elite bat to ball skills.
After the game, Jay Johnson went as far to say that it's one of the best games he's ever had a position player play.
"One of the best games I’ve ever had a position player play."Jay Johnson
Even those who cover the Tennessee Volunteers couldn't help but acknowledge how impressive Curiel's showing was.
LSU's Assistant Director of Strategic Initiatives Harrison Valentine was among the many in awe of Curiel's performance.
Baseball America's Jacob Rudner brought up Curiel's ability to take a 96 MPH fastball the other was a great example of his ability to use the entire field.
Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball was in awe with how consistently Derek Curiel hit the ball hard this weekend with 4 of the Tigers 8 hardest hit balls of the weekend.
Derek Curiel has been as advertised for the LSU Baseball team
When Jay Johnson landed a commitment from Derek Curiel, the fear was that the Tigers wouldn't get him on campus as he was a top MLB Draft prospect. Luckily for LSU, the Tigers somehow got Curiel to campus and the result is getting to see him play in the purple and gold for several seasons. Curiel has been an elite bat in the leadoff role and he's only going to continue getting better with more at-bats.