11:40 LRN Sportscast

Since winning their eighth national championship Sunday, crowds of roaring fans have met the LSU baseball team just about everywhere they go, including when they made their heroic return to Alex Box Stadium yesterday.

Cut 8 (10) “…and everything else.”

The Tigers will hold their championship celebration at the Box tomorrow night at 8:00

The NBA Draft is also tomorrow night at 7:00. The Pelicans have the 7th and 23rd overall picks and will need to address multiple roster spots. The backcourt may be the most glaring need as starting point guard Dejounte Murray is expected to be out with a torn Achilles until  January, and shooting guard CJ McCollum turns 34 in September. ESPN’s most recent mock has the Pels taking six-four Texas shooting guard Tre Johnson at seven. The freshman could provide some needed perimeter shooting for New Orleans if he falls out of the top six.

Longtime public address announcer at Alex Box Stadium, Bill Franques, has been with the program for all eight of its national titles. Franques was in Omaha for this year’s victory and says this team’s defense was one of the best he’s seen come out of Baton Rouge…

Cut 17 (17)  “…defensive first baseman.”

The Tigers had a .981 fielding percentage this year with just 44 errors in 68 games.

Dave Nitz, the legendary voice of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, passed away this morning at the age of 82. Nitz called over 45-hundred Louisiana Tech games over 50 years of broadcasting in Ruston. The West Virginia native was inducted into the LA Tech Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU was the last team left standing in Omaha yet again as the Tigers earned their eighth national championship with a 5-3 win over Coastal Carolina yesterday. Junior righty Anthony Eyanson was the winning pitcher, allowing three runs through six and a third inning and striking out nine. Eyanson says this is exactly what he envisioned when he decided to transfer from UC Davis to LSU.

Cut 19 (19) “…obviously.”

The Tigers’ success was thanks in large part to the pitching duo of Eyanson and sophomore lefty Kade Anderson. Anderson was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series after pitching a complete game shutout in game one of the finals.

After LSU’s College World Series title, Tigers coach Jay Johnson revealed starting second baseman Daniel Dickinson played in the NCAA Tournament with a broken hand.

Cut 14 (10) “…what is.”

In yesterday’s victory, Dickinson hit a leadoff single in the top of the third and was brought home by a Michael Braswell bunt and an Ethan Frey RBI double to tie the game early at one a piece. Tigers center fielder Chris Stanfield stepped up to the plate with bases loaded the next inning.

Cut 13 (11)  “…all year.”

Stanfield roped a two-RBI single to left, and outfielder Derek Curiel brought him home with his own two-run single to take a 5-1 lead. The Chanticleers couldn’t overcome the four-run deficit, and the Tigers claimed a second national title in three years.

1:30 LRN Newscast

An Oakdale 13-year-old was killed around midnight Saturday night in a UTV crash on West River Road in Rapides Parish. The vehicle’s teen driver lost control and struck another parked UTV injuring both drivers and killing passenger Kyndal Vadrine. Master Trooper Casey Wallace says he hopes this tragedy can help prevent future ones…

Cut 5 (07) “…happens again.”

A new law increasing penalties for drivers camping in the left lane is set to take effect August 1. The legislation also raises the left lane minimum speed threshold from 10 miles per hour under the speed limit to just one. State Senator Jay Luneau hopes his bill will keep the left lane for passing…

Cut 10 (13) “…exceptions to it.”

The LSU baseball team returned to Baton Rouge victorious today  with the program’s eighth national title after a 5-to-3 win over Coastal Carolina in the College World Series Finals yesterday. Tigers coach Jay Johnson says this team’s motto was tough and together…

Cut 12 (12) “…is our time.”

The tournament certainly was the Tigers’ time as they lost just one of their 11 NCAA Tournament games.

Residents at Baton Rouge retirement community St. James Place were also active in the celebration. The community went viral for hosting their own Rocco’s-inspired College World Series Jello shot challenge. St. James Place CEO Dick Wager says after hearing their story, the pizzeria and bar catered yesterday’s game all the way from Omaha…

Cut 7 (09) “…attention to us.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The Tigers are champions of the baseball diamond for the second time in three years after sweeping Coastal Carolina in the College World Series finals this weekend. LSU allowed just three runs in two games to a Chanticleer team that hadn’t lost since April. Sophomore Kade Anderson pitched nine shutout innings in game one, and junior Anthony Eyanson struck out nine and gave up just three runs through six and a third innings yesterday. One LSU fan says they were the difference…

Cut 14 (09) “…let’s rock.”

Redshirt sophomore Chase Shores closed out the win yesterday, allowing just one hit and striking out four of the last eight outs. Anderson was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series and has been mocked to go first overall in this year’s MLB Draft. Johnson becomes the first coach to win two championships in just four years with a team.

After losing game seven of the Chapel Hill regional last year, LSU coach Jay Johnson put together a star-studded cast. With contributions from veterans, impact transfers, and talented freshmen, Johnson says LSU’s eighth national championship team had it all…

Cut 16 (18) “…the season.”

LSU finished the regular season with a 42-and-13 record and lost just one of its 11 NCAA Tournament games.

The OKC Thunder were also crowned champions last night after beating the Pacers 103-to-91 in game seven of the NBA finals. Thunder guard and regular season MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP. The NBA Draft is Wednesday at 7:00.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will face Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three championship series for the College World Series title. The Chanticleers have won 26-straight and have only lost one three game series all year. A Cinderella to some, LSU coach Jay Johnson knows not to underestimate this Coastal program…

Cut 16 (20) “…program traits.”

Johnson lost to the Chanticleers in his first ever College World Series Appearance with Arizona in the 2016 CWS championship series- the same season Coastal Carolina upset LSU in the Baton Rouge Super Regional. Game one is set for 6:00 tomorrow night.

ULM announced the discontinuation of its women’s tennis program earlier this week. Warhawks Athletics Director John Hartwell says the cut was not in preparation for revenue sharing in college athletics…

Cut 13 (09)  “…and expenditues.”

Hartwell added the university does not plan to include any of its current budget in revenue sharing. ULM will continue to offer N-I-L opportunities through collectives and has investigated donor-supported revenue sharing in the future.

ESPN recently named Louisiana Tech as a leading candidate to join the Sun Belt Conference as Texas State is a rumored favorite to receive a Pac-12 invitation. Tech’s location and conference rivalries make it an enticing candidate but Dave Schultz of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast is hearing different…

Cut 19 (16) “…T-V market.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is headed to the championship series at the College World Series after a walk-off six to five comeback win over Arkansas last night. The game was a rollercoaster for Tigers first baseman Jared Jones who failed to complete a double play in the top of the eighth, letting in the go-ahead Arkansas run. He responded with a game-tying solo homer in the bottom of the inning and a walk-off single in the ninth…

Cut 10 (10) “…any other way.”

LSU will take on Coastal Carolina in a best-of-three series beginning Saturday. It will be a chance at revenge for both the Tigers and head coach Jay Johnson. The Chanticleers upset the Tigers in the 2016 Baton Rouge Super Regional before beating Johnson’s Arizona team in the championship series. This year’s Coastal team has won 26-straight games, the longest active streak entering the championship in College World Series history.

The LSU softball team signed two new transfers in Kentucky infielder Ally Hutchins and Louisville outfielder Char Lorenz. Hutchins started 58 games at third for the Wildcats last season batting .285 with six home runs and 19 RBI. Lorenz is coming off an All-ACC second Team freshman season with a .368 batting average and .677 slugging percentage. The Freshman All-American slugged nine home runs and set a new single-season freshman RBI record with 53.

Nicholls and the Southland conference announced they’ll be kicking off the 2025 college football season with a nationally televised week zero as the Colonels host Incarnate Word. Kickoff is scheduled for noon August 23 on ESPN2.

The Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and Safety Brett Maxie will be joining the hall as the 2025 class. Porter, a Port Allen Native says it was a dream come true playing four years in New Orleans

Cut 17 (11)  “…was unbelievable.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU will look to punch their ticket to the College World Series championship series tonight versus Arkansas. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 4-to-1 in their first game in Omaha behind a sensational performance from starter Kade Anderson. After a rain delay interrupted Anthony Eyanson’s start against UCLA Monday night, the Tigers were forced to send out freshman and recent Sunday starter Casan Evans in relief yesterday. Righties Zac Cowan or Jaden Noot will likely take the mound for the Tigers tonight, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says both options struggled their last time out…

Cut 15 (14) “…to win.”

Tiger fans could hope to see Eyanson in relief tonight after throwing just 44 pitches Monday. First pitch is set for 6:00. If the Razorbacks win the Tigers will be forced into an elimination rematch tomorrow.

Cornerback Tracy Porter and Safety Brett Maxie were announced as the inductees in the Saints Hall of Fame class of 2025. Porter is a Port Allen native drafted by the Saints in 2008. He spent four seasons wearing black and gold and is responsible for perhaps the biggest play in franchise history: a 76-yard pick six to secure a Super Bowl XLIV title. Porter says being selected for the Saints Hall of Fame was a new kind of honor…

Cut 20 (16) “…on that.”

Maxie spent nine seasons in New Orleans from 1985 to 1993. An undrafted free agent out of Texas Southern, he went on to help the Saints to their first ever winning season and playoff appearance in 1987.

Also honored were former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels who received the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award.

Lamar Brown, the top recruit in Louisiana’s 2026 class canceled his visit to LSU this weekend after visiting Texas A&M last weekend. The University Lab five-star is set to announce his commitment July 10

12:30 LRN Newscast

Governor Jeff Landry has signed a bill criminalizing grooming, the act of building trust with minors to enable sexual abuse. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says his legislation was inspired by his daughter, Sarah Gioe (Jee-Oy), and her husband, Tim Gioe, who was abused by a priest as a child.

Cut 10 (12) “…this bill passed.”

The law takes effect August 1.

A recent study shows that if you want Gulf Shrimp in Alexandria it’s about a 50/50 chance that’s where it actually came from. SeaD (seed) Consulting Co-Founder Erin Williams says 24 restaurants were tested that advertised Authentic Gulf Coast Shrimp and 13 of those were serving imported shrimp.

Cut 6 (11) “…Gulf Shrimp.”

An invasive fish species thought to be eradicated has been discovered in Port Sulphur. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

And now, a look at today’s commodities…

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU is one win away from the College World Series championship series after beating UCLA 9-to-5 yesterday. The Tigers will have a rematch with third-ranked Arkansas who they beat in their first game in Omaha 4-to-1 tonight. LSU coach Jay Johnson says the Tigers faced a similar scenario in the regional versus Little Rock…

Cut 17 (13)  “…that team.”

The Razorbacks will have to beat the Tigers twice to advance. First pitch tonight is set for 6:00.

Louisiana’s top recruit in the class of 2026, University Lab’s two-way lineman Lamar Brown looks to be trending away from LSU. The fifth-ranked overall recruit visited Texas A&M last weekend and has since canceled his visit to LSU. Brown is set to declare his commitment between Miami, Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU July 10.

Th Saints Hall of Fame announced cornerback Tracy Porter and safety Brett Maxie have been selected for induction in 2025. They also honored former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels with the Joe Gemelli “Fleur de Lis” Award and Steve Gleason with the Saints Hall of Fame Courage Award.

ESPN’s most recent MLB mock draft by analyst Kiley McDaniel has LSU left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson going number one overall to the Nationals. Righty Anthony Eyanson was mocked 37th to the Rays.

The SEC announced conference opponents for the 2026 men’s basketball season. The league will tip-off January 3, and each team will play the fifteen others at least once with three faced a second time. LSU will host Alabama, Georgia Kentucky, Mississippi state and Missouri and visit Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas and Vanderbilt. The Tigers will play Arkansas, Texas A&M and South Carolina home and away.

ULM has discontinued its women’s tennis program due to increased operational and infrastructural costs. The Warhawks will now operate the NCAA minimum 16 division 1 teams.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The Tigers are gearing up for their first game of the College World Series versus Arkansas tomorrow night. Widely considered the two best teams in the field, the loser will be at a major disadvantage as they have to battle back from the losers’ bracket and win four games in four days to make the championship series. Coach Jay Johnson says his team is ready.

Cut 18 (18)  “…for anything.”

ESPN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson seconded Johnson’s confidence.

 Cut 10 (10) “…that point.”

First pitch is set for 6:00

It’s a special Father’s Day weekend for West Monroe’s Bill Pearson who will have the chance to watch his two sons Josh and John suit up for the Tigers. Senior outfielder Josh Pearson already has a ring with LSU and has become a fan favorite in Baton Rouge, but freshman slugger John hasn’t seen much playing time behind first baseman Jared Jones. Both LSU coach Jay Johnson and Bill Pearson praised John’s patience.

Cut 19 (09) “…to do.”

Southeastern Louisiana pitcher Brennan Stuprich was named the Southland Conference Baseball Student-Athlete of the Year. He is joined by teammates Ryan Brome and TJ Salvaggio on the conference’s All-Academic first team. 

Calvary Baptist pitcher Kynzee Anderson was named Louisiana’s Miss Softball by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. The junior Georgia commit posted a 24-and-1 record with a 1.26 ERA and 245 strikeouts in just 145 innings. Anderson also hit. 466 with 14 homers and 45 RBI.