What to know about LSU baseball after losing two of three in first SEC series
The first series of SEC play did not go as planned for LSU baseball.
The Tigers (15-5, 1-2 SEC) lost two of three games against visiting Texas A&M (12-7, 2-1), one of the weakest teams in the conference. LSU needed to score five unanswered runs on Sunday just to avoid a sweep, having trailed 6-2 after the top of the fifth inning.
LSU was supposed to play host to Louisiana Tech on Tuesday night but the game was postponed Monday due to the forecast of severe weather in the Baton Rouge area. The game will take place 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Alex Box Stadium.
Here are four takeaways from LSU's rocky weekend.
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Starting pitching depth must improve
LSU's starting pitching produced more questions than answers.
Friday starter Ty Floyd surrendered a pair of home runs in just two innings. Blake Money, LSU's most reliable starter thus far, gave up four earned runs in 3⅓ innings on Saturday. Sunday starter Ma'Khail Hilliard went longer than Floyd and Money but pitched worse, allowing 10 hits and five earned runs in four innings.
The trio struggled to punch out batters, combining to record seven strikeouts and surrendering 19 hits
The Tigers' starting staff does not need to be dominant. They have one of the most talented offensive units in college baseball. But in order for the offense to carry this team, LSU can't place as much pressure on its bats as it did against the Aggies.
Defense, defense, defense
LSU committed six errors, continuing a trend that has plagued the Tigers thus far.
The Tigers have misplayed the ball 35 times in 20 games. Shortstop Jordan Thompson has nine errors already, while second baseman Cade Doughty has six.
With a starting rotation that is unproven and susceptible to surrendering contact, the Tigers' defense has to improve.
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Bullpen has disappointed
LSU's bullpen allowed four earned runs Saturday and three Friday. The unit bounced back Sunday to allow just a run in five innings pitched.
The unit has not been void of bright spots. Eric Reyzelman holds a 1.38 ERA in nine appearances, and Devin Fontenot has a 2.53 ERA in eight. But Riley Cooper's struggles have weighed them down, as he carries a 4.76 ERA in 11⅓ innings.
Considering the questions surrounding its starting staff, LSU's bullpen — particularly its depth — needs to become a strength.
Offense has been a staple
The Tigers scored 18 runs against the Aggies and have 180 this season. They've hit 31 home runs, and six members of their starting lineup are hitting better than .300.
LSU has scored at least four runs in all but one game.
LSU has had a list of issues, many of which came to the forefront against the Aggies. But the Tigers' offense is not on that list.
Koki Riley is a recruiting and high school sports reporter for The Daily Advertiser and the USA TODAY Sports South Region. Email him at kriley@theadvertiser.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: What know about LSU baseball after losing two of three in first SEC series
