The LSU Tigers put their six-game winning streak on the line tonight when they host Auburn to begin a weekend set with the War Eagles. In their last 12 games, LSU has had at least 10 hits in each of those contests and shortstop Alex Bregman says there’s not an easy out in their line-up…

cut 16 (09) “keep doing that”

Jared Poche will get the start on the mound tonight while Auburn is expected to counter with sophomore right-hander Cole Lipscomb. Tonight’s game is set to begin at 7 PM, but the forecast doesn’t look good for the weekend as there’s an 80 to 90-percent chance of rain each day.

Former LSU standout Mikie Mahtook will get a taste of the big leagues tonight. The Tampa Bay Rays called up Mahtook from Triple-A Durham to replace John Jaso in the lineup. During his time at LSU, Mahtook batted .344, with 35 home runs, and 60 stolen bases. The Rays play the Marlins in Miami tonight.

The Saints have released their upcoming preseason schedule. New Orleans will begin the four-week exhibition slate at Baltimore and then host defending Super Bowl champion New England and the Houston Texans in week two and three. The Black and Gold visit Green Bay in the preseason finale. The only specific date and time that’s been finalized is the game against the Texans, which is scheduled to kick-off on Sunday August 30th at 3 PM.

In other NFL news…former Ragin Cajuns star Charles Tillman has signed a one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 34-year-old cornerback has 36 interceptions in his career, but only played two games for the Chicago Bears last year because of a triceps injury.

Former LSU running back Stevan Ridley has signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets. Ridley spent his first four seasons with the Patriots, but his season ended last year in October with an ACL injury.

The Pelicans are tied with Oklahoma City for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Both teams are in action tonight as the Thunder host the Kings while the Pels take on Phoenix in the Smoothie King Center. There are just four games left in the regular season.