LSU’s bad start to the 2018 season got worse today. Coach Paul Mainieri announced shortstop Josh Smith will miss at least a month because of a stress reaction in his vertebrae. Mainieri said Hal Hughes will play shortstop during Smith’s absence.

In Starkville, former LSU hitting coach and Tulane star Andy Cannizaro stepped down as head coach of Mississippi State. It’s unclear what led to the move, but Cannizzaro released a statement that said he had a wonderful opportunity at Mississippi State, but unfortunately he made some poor decisions. Cannizzaro added that he hopes the fans and people affected will one day forgive him.

On the baseball diamond tonight, Louisiana Tech has its home opener as they face McNeese State, who is winless on the season. Northwestern State is at ULM. Both teams are 2-1. Southeastern Louisiana takes on Alcorn State in Hammon, while UNO hosts Jackson State.

LSU hosts Vanderbilt tonight looking to improve its league record to 7-9. The Tigers have an RPI of 75 and we’ll need a few more wins to get on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament. But Tigers Coach Will Wade says his team is focused on building momentum rather than looking ahead to Selection Sunday….
cut 18 (17) “….this week”
Tip-off is at 8 PM.