11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball has been rebuilding its roster after losing nine players to the transfer portal . The Tigers have received commitments from some talented portal players including many successful junior college players like Fullerton Junior College first baseman Trevor Schmidt. Schmidt hit 13 home runs last season and LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says he can add some power into the Tigers lineup.

Cut 19 (18) “… some power.”

The Tigers have also bolstered their rotation with Zac Cowan and Camden Wicker of Wofford coming to LSU. Cowan was the sophomore ace for Wofford who finished this season with a 10 and 2 record and 124 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched. Wicker was a strong freshman right hander for Wofford who had a 4.28 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 75 innings of work.

The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks last night 106 to 99. The Celtics are now up three games on the Mavs and are one win away from their eighteenth NBA championship and first championship since 2008.

Angel Reese had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Chicago Sky last night in their loss to the Connecticut Suns 83 to 75.

The LSU Lady Tigers will participate in year two of the ACC/SEC Challenge and this time the Tigers opponent will be women’s college basketball blue blood Stanford. Last year, LSU hosted Virginia Tech and collected LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey’s 700th win.

And even though the Tigers are not in Omaha this year, you can still defend the Tigers Jello Shot Challenge Championship remotely. Mike Manning of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says that Rocco’s Pizza Cantina has set up a QR code for Tiger fans to make donations and that he wouldn’t be surprised if Tiger fans defended their title. Manning says that LSU raised $60,000 for the LSU Campus Food Bank last year.

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball has been rebuilding its roster after losing nine players to the transfer portal and more players are expected to leave after the 2024 MLB Draft. The Tigers have received commitments from different talented portal players including many successful junior college players like Pearl River left hander Connor Ware. Ware struck out 28 batters in 17 innings of work last season and LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson says he can have an immediate impact for the Tigers.

Cut 16 (10) “… for us.”

Johnson is also recruiting Blinn College Outfielder Tanner Reaves. Reaves hit 20 home runs his freshman season with Blinn and Johnson says that he’s ready for the versatile player to play for the purple and gold.

And Zac Cowan of Wofford has also committed to LSU. The sophomore ace for Wofford finished this season with a 10 and 2 record, a 3.35 ERA, and 124 strikeouts in 110 innings pitched.

In a close back and forth game the Boston Celtics beat the Dallas Mavericks 106 to 99. The Celtics are now up three games on the Mavs and are one win away from their first championship since 2008.

Angel Reese had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Chicago Sky in a losing effort to the Connecticut Suns, 83 to 75 last night. The Chicago Sky are now 4 and 7 on the year.

The LSU Lady Tigers will participate in year two of the ACC/SEC Challenge and this time the Tigers opponent will be Stanford. Last year, LSU hosted Virginia Tech and collected LSU Head Coach Kim Mulkey’s 700th win, which made her the fastest coach in college basketball to do so.

And even though the Tigers are not in Omaha this year, you can still defend the Tigers Jello Shot Challenge Championship remotely. Mike Manning of the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says that Rocco’s Pizza Cantina has set up a QR code for Tiger fans to make donations. Manning says that LSU raised $60,000 for the LSU Campus Food Bank last year.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 12

LSU Baseball has landed a commitment from Wofford right-handed ace Zac Cowan. Cowan was one of the most coveted prospects in the portal and will bring his talents to Baton Rouge after posting a 10-and-2 record and 3.35 ERA with the Terriers. The All-So-Con pitcher will look to compete for a starting slot with the Tigers next season. There have also been rumors he’ll be joined by Wofford freshman Camden Wicker. The righty logged a 4.28 ERA and started most of the year for the Terriers but has not made an official commitment.

Cowan is the third addition to LSU Coach Jay Johnson’s transfer class already featuring South Florida right-handed pitcher Chandler Dorsey and Indiana State slugger Luis Hernandez. Hernandez announced his commitment to the Tigers yesterday on the heels of a 23-home run season in Indiana. He finished with a .359 batting average and 76 RBI helping the Sycamores to a top 20-ranked season.

Nicholls head coach Mike Silva is heading to Jonesboro, Arkansas to coach the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Silva had a very successful two years at Nicholls where he led the Colonels to two NCAA regionals and was named the 2023 Southland Coach of the Year.

The Saints began mandatory minicamp yesterday as stars such as Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore returned to the practice field. Players and fans got early looks at a revamped offense under new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak. The former 49ers assistant’s scheme will feature much more motion and creativity which Kamara says he’s excited for…

Cut 9 (10) “…you’re doing it.” 

Defensive Back Alontae Taylor missed today’s activities with an oblique injury, but Head Coach Dennis Allen said he should be back in time for training camp set to start July 24.

Former LSU Beach Volleyball stars Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss were officially selected to represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics this Summer. The duo is currently ranked 2nd in the world and will have the chance to bring home the gold playing under the Eiffel Tower. Nuss says it’s a dream come true…

Cut 17 (10) “…very excited.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU baseball is currently being hindered and helped by the new NIL and transfer portal landscape in college athletics. LSU head coach Jay Johnson spoke to the media about the growing tension he faces in trying to develop young players with the growing appeal of the transfer portal when they don’t get playing time immediately.

Cut 20 (22) “… overcome that.”

LSU baseball has been rebuilding its roster after losing nine players to the transfer portal including sophomore center fielder Paxton Kling. The Tigers have received commitments from some talented portal players including Indiana State slugger Luis Hernandez. Hernandez is coming off a stellar 2024 season batting .359, hitting 23 home runs, and having a 1.114 OPS.

Former LSU Beach volleyball players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have made the US Olympic beach volleyball team. The duo will represent the US in the upcoming Paris Olympics and call themselves team TKN, and Kloth says that the two have formed a sisterly bond over the years that they have played together.

Cut 16 (15) “… any other way.”

The Paris Olympics beach volleyball tournament starts July 27th and ends on August the 9th.

Nicholls head coach Mike Silva is heading to Jonesboro, Arkansas to coach the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Silva had a very successful two years at Nicholls where he led the colonels to two NCAA regionals and was named the 2023 Southland Coach of the year.

And Paul Skenes was given a standing ovation as he exited the mound against the Saint Louis Cardinals last night. The Pittsburgh Pirates star threw 103 pitches in an eight strikeout performance over 6 and a third innings.

 

06:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU’s baseball season ended just two outs away from hosting a super regional and while some fans are focused on what could have been, LSU Head Coach Jay Johnson is focusing on what did happen. Johnson spoke to the media after the Tigers loss in the Chapel Hill Regional championship and he says that he’s learned a lot from this year’s team.

Cut 18 (15) “… can be.”

In the meantime, LSU baseball has been rebuilding its roster after losing nine players to the transfer portal including Outfielder Paxton Kling. The Tigers have received commitments from some talented portal players including USF pitcher Chandler Dorsey and Indiana State slugger Luis Hernandez. Hernandez is coming off a stellar 2024 season batting .359, hitting 23 home runs, and having a 1.114 OPS.

Former LSU Beach volleyball players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have made the US Olympic beach volleyball team and the duo will represent the US in the upcoming Paris Olympics. Nuss and Kloth will be the first two former LSU Beach volleyball players to ever be in the Olympics and Nuss says that it all started in Baton Rouge.

Cut 15 (15) “… helps a lot.”

The duo had a perfect 36 and 0 record in their final season with LSU and they now rank second in the world.

The New Orleans Saints minicamp started yesterday and some familiar faces were at the mandatory practices. Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore both participated.

Nicholls head coach Mike Silva is heading to Jonesboro, Arkansas to coach the Arkansas State Red Wolves after the organization hired him yesterday. Silva had a very successful two years at Nicholls where he led the colonels to two NCAA regionals and was named the 2023 Southland Coach of the year.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast June 11

Former LSU Baseball Head Coach Paul Mainieri will be coming out of retirement to coach the South Carolina Gamecocks next year. After a career of over 1,500 wins, health concerns led to Mainieri’s retirement in 2021. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says he’s turned down multiple job offers since then but seems ready to return to coaching in the SEC.
Cut 5 (16) “… next year.”

LSU Baseball has lost another pair of key contributors to the transfer portal as outfielder Paxton Kling and right-handed pitcher Sam Dutton entered this morning. Kling came to Baton Rouge as the No. 6 overall prospect in 2022 batting .289 as a freshman. He bat .222 this past season and was a defensive ace in the outfield before freshmen Ashton Larson and Jake Brown cemented their spots in the rotation. Dutton joins four other pitchers already in the transfer portal after posting a 5.84 ERA this season.

The remainder of LSU’s 2024 football SEC schedule has been revealed. The Tigers were already set to open conference play versus South Carolina at 11:00 and have 3 games listed in the “night” window and five listed as flex. Night games will start between 5 and 7 p.m. while flex games can be anywhere from 2:30 to 7:00. LSU’s three confirmed night games will be against Ole Miss, Arkansas, and Vanderbilt.

The Saints began mandatory minicamp today as they prepare for the 2024 season. Many players have already begun working in rookie minicamp and O-T-A’s over the past several weeks. Ross Jackson of the Locked On Saints Podcast says second-year wide receiver A.T. Perry has stood out as a player that could step into a bigger role next season.
Cut 17 (20) “…can be.”
Perry showed flashes in his limited role last season turning just 18 targets into 12 catches and 4 touchdowns. He’ll have a chance to cement himself as a reliable third option alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed this season.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

South Carolina baseball is set to hire former Notre Dame and LSU Head Coach Paul Mainieri later this afternoon. Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne says the move is a little shocking after Mainieri retired just three seasons ago, citing health concerns at 63 years old.

Cut 3 (16) “… little shocking.”

The hire is awaiting the approval of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees, but it is expected to pass later today.

LSU baseball has received a commitment from USF pitcher Chandler Dorsey. Dorsey was a sophomore right hander last season for the Bulls and did not allow an earned run in 18 of his 26 relief appearances.

And NC State defeated Georgia 8 to 5 last night to make it to the MCWS.

The Saints will begin their three-day mandatory minicamp today. New Orleans will try to improve their defensive line play after the unit has struggled to be successful the last couple of seasons. One bright spot on the defensive line, according to Locked On Saints Podcast host Ross Jackson, has been the play of sixth round pick Khristian Boyd.

Cut 16 (15) “… helps a lot.”

The Saints will face the Cardinals to open up preseason play on August 10th.

Former LSU Beach volleyball players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have made the US Olympic beach volleyball team. The duo will represent the US in the upcoming Paris Olympics and will be the first two former LSU Beach volleyball players to ever be in the Olympics.

And former Illinois power forward Coleman Hawkins will take an official visit to LSU today.

06:45 LRN Sportscast

South Carolina baseball is set to hire former Notre Dame and LSU Head Coach Paul Mainieri later this afternoon. Mainieri retired from coaching the Tigers in 2021 because of different health issues. He has an overall coaching record of 1,501 wins, 775 loses, as well as 8 ties and has led both LSU and Notre Dame to the MCWS. The move comes after South Carolina fired long time head coach Mark Kingston after seven seasons.

LSU baseball has received a commitment from USF pitcher Chandler Dorsey. Dorsey was a freshman right hander last season for the Bulls and posted a 3.60 ERA over 30 innings of work. Dorsey will look to improve a Tiger pitching staff that really struggled at times during the regular season, but pitched very well during this past postseason.

And NC State defeated Georgia 8 to 5 last night to make it to the MCWS. The Wolfpack had 15 hits on the night and 8 of the 9 hitters in their lineup had at least one hit.

The Saints will begin their three-day mandatory minicamp today. New Orleans will try to improve their offensive success this season by adding a lot more pre snap motion into their style of play. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has the Saints already using a lot more pre-snap motion.

Cut 16 (15) “… helps a lot.”

The Saints will face the Cardinals to open up preseason play on August 10th.

Former LSU Beach volleyball players Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss have made the US Olympic beach volleyball team. The duo are ranked second in the world and will represent the US in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

And former Illinois power forward Coleman Hawkins will visit LSU today. Hawkins is currently the tenth best available transfer according to ESPN and is transferring after having a breakout senior season.

3:30 LRN Newscast

The NCAA and five biggest conferences, including the SEC, have reached a settlement that will result in all college athletes being paid. Jeanne Burns has more…

cut 3 (35) “..I’m Jeanne Burns.”

LSU baseball is headed to the North Carolina regional, where they’ll play Wofford on Friday. The Ragin’ Cajuns are heading to the Texas A&M regional along with Grambling. Louisiana Tech is headed to the Fayetteville regional, and Nichols and Tulane are headed to the Corvallis Oregon regionals.

Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country and, according to Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley, one of the most significant.

cut 4 (13) “…reflect upon that.”

It was eleven years ago when the first Mrs. Roper Romp took place as a parade theme at Decadence in New Orleans. Ever since, it’s turned into the reason for millions to gather all over the globe to impersonate the beloved “Three’s Company” character Helen Roper. Jessica Cassel (Castle), one of the organizers for Friday’s romp in downtown Thibodaux, says now is the time to get your curly red wig and kaftan ready to romp.

cut 11 (12) “…fun and free.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

Today is Memorial Day, a day to honor those who fought for our country. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Col. Charlton Meginley says it is important every day, but especially today, to pay respects to the 11 thousand Louisiana veterans who have died in combat.

cut 5 (12) “…every day.”

 

Large jackpots from the Louisiana Lottery have transferred almost 48 million dollars to the state treasury. According to Lottery spokesperson Dustin Annison, in addition to the increase in ticket sales thanks to five-billion dollar jackpots produced by Powerball and Mega Millions this year…

cut 8 (12) “…for players.”

 

An antitrust settlement has been finalized that will result in all college athletes being paid directly by the school. Outkick college reporter Trey Wallace estimates the settlement will result in each school paying about 20 million dollars to athletes in every sport, most of which won’t be generated from traditional means such as ticket and food sales.

cut 14 (13) “…media rights deal.”

Revenue sharing is set to start for the 2025-26 season.

 
Eleven years ago, the first Mrs. Roper Romp took place as a parade theme at Decadence in New Orleans. Now, it’s the reason for millions to gather to impersonate “Three’s Company” character Helen Roper. Jessica Cassel, one of the organizers for Friday’s romp in downtown Thibodaux, says she’s hoping future annual romps can be combined with fundraisers for charity.

cut 12 (07) “…momentum.”