The LSU baseball team leaves for Omaha today and the fans won’t be far behind as preparations begin for the Tigers 17th College World Series appearance. LSU will play TCU on Sunday at 2pm. Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau spokeswoman Deborah Ward says they love it when the Purple and Gold Nation is in town…

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Ward says if you’re still planning a trip, you can go to visitomaha.com to check on hotel availability.

In Major League Baseball Draft yesterday, LSU first baseman Chris Chinea was selected in the 17th round by the St. Louis Cardinals. The Padres selected ULM and West Ouachita product Kodie Tidwell in the 26th round. San Diego also picked former Louisiana Tech pitcher Phil Maton in the 20th round.

Three Southeastern Louisiana pitchers were drafted in the final day of the Major League Baseball Draft. The Cincinnati Reds selected junior right-hander Jake Johnson in the 16th round. Johnson compiled a 10-2 record and a 3.42 ERA for the Lions last season.

Senior right-hander Kyle Keller was picked up by the Miami Marlins in round 18. The New Orleans native appeared in 15 games last season and turned in a 2.75 ERA.

And in the 39th round, the Pittsburgh Pirates drafted junior Tate Scioneaux. The right-hander from Reserve has racked up a total of 260 strikeouts for the Lions.

A couple of NIcholls State Colonels were in the draft yesterday. Left-handed relief pitcher Stuart Holmes got tabbed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 35th round. Holmes was named Southland Conference Relief Pitcher of the Year. Right-hander Ryan Deemes was selected by the Houston Astros in the 36th round. Holmes lead the Southland Conference and set a school record with 15 saves last season.

McNeese State senior outfielder Andrew Guillotte was taken in the 32nd round by the Toronto Blue Jays.