LSU’s decision to move Zack Hess back to the bullpen paid off last night as the junior right hander threw four sensational innings of relief as the Tigers defeated Ole Miss eight to three in the opener of their weekend series. Hess entered the game in the fourth inning with runners on first and third and one out and LSU up 3-1. He was able to produce a double play ball and the Rebels scored just one run that inning. Hess went on to give up just one run and struck out seven for his third win of the year. At the plate, Josh Smith had three hits and drove in two runs, while Daniel Cabrera hit his ninth home run and Drew Bianco followed that up with his third home run with his dad, Mike Bianco, watching from the Ole Miss dugout. Game two of this emotional series is at 6:30.

Louisiana Tech’s losing streak is up to six games after losing to Old Dominion 14-6 last night. The Monarchs exploded for nine runs in the seventh inning. The Bulldogs are 12-and-10 in Conference USA Play.

The Ragin Cajuns ended a seven game losing streak with a 10-0 win over Coastal Carolina last night. Junior Todd Lott had three hits and drove in two runs. Jack Burk earned the win as he threw six innings, allowed just five hits and struck out seven.

ULM split a doubleheader with UT Arlington. The Mavericks won the first game 10-2, while the Warhawks won the nightcap eight to nothing. In game two, Ty Barnes threw a complete game shutout, the first by a Warhawk pitcher in eight years. The series wraps up today at 5 PM.

Southeastern Louisiana has moved into sole possession of first place in the Southland by a half a game after beating Lamar in 13 innings last night. Preston Faulkner’s RBI double in the 13th was the winning hit.

McNeese blanked Stphen F Austin two to nothing. Rhett Deaton pitched seven shutout innings. It was Houston Baptist over Nicholls 11-7, while Grambling outlasted Northwestern State seven to six. Tulane topped Central Florida six to two. Kaleb Roper struckout 11 over eight innings.

For the 330th time, LSU and Ole Miss will meet on the baseball diamond when the two SEC West rivals meet at Alex Box Stadium for a three game series. There’s an interesting twist to the weekend series, the son of Ole Miss head coach Mike Bianco plays for LSU. Drew Bianco says his mother will not make the trip down to Baton Rouge, but she’ll be watching…
cut 30 (14) “….definitely be fun”
It’s also a big weekend for both teams. LSU and Ole Miss are 13-and-8 in the SEC, part of a three-way tie for second place in the West. First pitch tonight is at 7 PM.

Louisiana Tech looks to snap a five-game losing streak tonight when they begin a series at Old Dominion. The Bulldogs have scored nine runs during the five-game losing streak.

Former Pelicans Head Coach Monty Williams is a head coach again in the NBA. Williams has agreed to a five-year contract with the Phoenix Suns. The 47-year-old was the head coach in New Orleans for five seasons, leading the franchise to two playoff apperances. He’s currently an assistant coach with the 76ers.

The Ragin Cajuns will try to snap a seven-game losing streak when they visit Coastal Carolina. ULM is home to take on U-T Arlington.

Southeastern Louisiana is in a tie for first place in the Southland as they begin a weekend series at Lamar. The Lions are 14-and-7 in conference play, tied with Sam Houston. Lamar has the worst conference record at 7-and-17.

Also in the Southland….McNeese hosts Stephen F Austin. Houston Baptist is at Nicholls, UNO hosts Abilene Christian and Grambling is at Northwestern State for a non conference series.

The 14th ranked LSU baseball team begins an important weekend series against 15th ranked Ole Miss tonight. The two teams have identical 13-8 records in the SEC, two games back of Arkansas for first place. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says his team will have to play their best, because the Rebels swept Texas A-and-M last weekend…
cut 16 (11) “…good arms”
Ole Miss will send junior right-hander Will Ethridge to the hill tonight. He’s 5-and-3 with a 2.67 ERA. The Tigers will counter with sophomore right-hander Ma’khail Hilliard, who is 0-and-2 with a 4.60 ERA. First pitch tonight is at 7 PM.

Louisiana Tech begins a weekend series tonight at Old Dominion. The Bulldogs will look to snap a season long five game losing streak. Tech is 12-and-9 in Conference USA Play, while the Monarchs are 9-and-12.

Southeastern Louisiana is in a tie for first place in the Southland as they begin a weekend series at Lamar. The Lions are 14-and-7 in conference play, tied with Sam Houston. Lamar has the worst conference record at 7-and-17.

Also in the Southland….McNeese hosts Stephen F Austin. Houston Baptist is at Nicholls, UNO hosts Abilene Christian and Grambling is at Northwestern State for a non conference series.

The Ragin Cajuns will try to snap a seven-game losing streak when they visit Coastal Carolina. ULM is home to take on U-T Arlington.

If Southern can beat Prairie View, they will clinch the SWAC Western Division. Tulane will host Central Florida for a weekend sereis . The Green Wave are in second place in the American Conference.

Former LSU Tiger Foster Moreau has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Raiders worth over three million dollars. The New Orleans native was drafted in the fourth round last week by Oakland after he caught 52 passes during his LSU career.

The Superdome’s governing body is moving ahead with the first phase of a planned 450 million dollar renovation of the iconic home of the Black and Gold. The first phase will cost 100 million dollars and remove ramps in favor of escalators and elevators, along with construction of a kitchen and food service area in a space currently used for parking. The renovation plan is part of a reported deal that would keep the Saints in the Superdome until at least the 2035 season.

Former LSU pitcher Aaron Nola had one of his best starts of the season yesterday as he helped the Phillies defeat the Tigers seven to three. Nola gave up one run in 5.2 innings pitched to lower his ERA to 5.06.

In the NBA playoffs…former Louisiana Tech standout Paul Millsap had 14 points and 11 rebounds, but it was not enough to help the Nuggets beat the Trail Blazers. Portland’s 97-90 victory in the Mile High City last night evened that series at one game a piece. Game 3 is tomorrow night.

Freshman right-hander Cole Henry is still not available to pitch this weekend because of a sore elbow. And Coach Paul Mainieri has decided to move former Friday night starter Zack Hess to the bullpen. Mainieri says Ma’Khail Hilliard will start on Friday when the Tigers begin their series against Ole Miss. Mainieri says they’ll miss Henry, but he has confidence in Hilliard…
cut 17 (21) “all year”

In college baseball action last night, Southern rallied to beat Nicholls State six to five, while Southeastern held on a for a four to three win over McNeese.

NOLA.com reports the Saints and the state are closing in on a long-term lease extension that includes a 450-million dollar renovation of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The deal would keep the NFL Franchise in the Big Easy through 2035. The Superdome Commission has selected a local firm to oversee the first phase of the renovation that would include a more fan friendly system of escalators and elevators. The Saints have agreed to pay a third of the overall costs. All four phases would be completed before the city hosts the Super Bowl in 2024.

The Saints have reportedly decided not to pick up the fifth year option for cornerback Eli Apple, which means he’ll be a free agent at the end of the season. Friday is the deadline for teams to decide if they want to pick up the fifth year option on all players taken in the first round of the 2016 draft.

Former LSU Tiger BoogerMcFarland will be in the booth next season for the Monday Night Football broadcasts on ESPN, instead of the so-called Booger mobile.

LSU junior right-hander Zack Hess is headed to the bullpen. Hess was a reliver as a freshman and he’s been the team’s Friday night starter the last two seasons. But Coach Paul Mainieri has come to the conclusion that Hess is better out of the bullpen…
cut 19 (23) “…professional baseball”
Ma’khail Hilliard will start Friday’s series opener against Ole Miss.

Last night, Southern scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to stun Nicholls six to five. Malik Blaise’s two run-single through the left side of the infield led to the walk-off celebration.

Southeastern scored three runs in the first inning and held on a for a four- three win over McNeese to sweep the season series over the Cowboys.

LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron says the team’s number one ranked 2020 recruiting class according to 247Sports.com is evidence the team’s brand has gone national. 247Sports.com recruiting analyst Shea Dixon says the most remarkable part of the class is that 11 of the 14 commitments are from out of state…
Cut 15 (13) “…doing.”
LSU’s two five star targets are cornerback Elias Ricks of California and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett from D.C. There are no five star rated prospects from Louisiana this year.

ESPN announces they are moving former LSU Tiger Booger McFarland to the booth with play-by-play man Joe Tessitore for their Monday Night Football broadcasts. Last year McFarland was on the sidelines riding around in a mobile cart. ESPN is not replacing Jason Witten, who has returned to the Cowboys.

A measure to legalize sports wagering in the state receives Senate approval and is heading to the House. Metairie Senator Danny Martiny says there’s already an active sports betting black market, and while the law may increase the overall amount of gaming, it will also contribute funding for early childhood education….
cut 8 (11) “…early childhood education”
No one spoke against the legislation.

In college baseball last night, Louisiana Tech lost its fifth straight as Northwestern State beat the Bulldogs three to one. ULM thumped Alcorn State 11-4. Arkansas crushed Grambling 17-3 and UNO upended Tulane 14-9 by scoring 10 runs in the eighth inning.

Tonight, McNeese and Southeastern meet in a non-conference game in Hammond. Nicholls takes a four game winning streak to Baton Rouge, where they’ll play Southern.

With 14 commitments for the 2020 class, 24-7 sports rates the LSU football program as the number one class in the country as they are ranked ahead of Alabama, Clemson and Miami. Three of those 14 commitments are wide receivers, including five-star prospect Rakim Jarrett from Washington D-C. 24-7 sports recruiting analyst Shea Dixon believes big name pass catchers are turning their eye to Baton Rouge due to the professional success of a duo of Cleveland Browns.
Cut 16 (10) “…right now”
The class jumped back on top of the rankings after the team captured the commitment of the nation’s number two inside linebacker, Virginia’s Antoine Sampah.

Former LSU running back Spencer Ware has signed with Indianapolis Colts. Ware has spent the last three seasons in Kansas City after he was drafted by Seattle in 2013.

The legalization of sports betting in Louisiana is one step closer to reality following a full Senate vote. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

In college baseball last night, Louisiana Tech lost its fifth straight as Northwestern State beat the Bulldogs three to one. Tech committed four errors in the game. Demons right-hander Jerry Maddox threw 5.2 innings of shutout baseball for the win.

ULM thumped Alcorn State 11-4. Chad Bell blasted his first home run of the season. Arkansas crushed Grambling 17-3 and UNO upended Tulane 14-9.

LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade’s name surfaces again in the ongoing NCAA Basketball corruption trial in New York. A video was played of former Arizona Assistant Coach Book Richardson discussing how Wade had a $300-thousand deal in place for LSU Forward Naz Reid.

After being reinstated, Wade agreed to a provision in his contract that would give LSU cause to fire him if he was found in violation of NCAA recruiting rules. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says this fits the bill, if this latest allegation is true…
Cut 8 (12) “…allegations.”
LSU released a statement that says they continue to monitor the situation, but they have no comment at this time because of the fluid nature of the matter. Wade was reinstated from a five-week long suspension earlier this month after reports of an FBI wire tap claimed the coach discussed a strong offer for a recruit.

In LSU’s win over Alabama on the baseball diamond last Sunday, Landon Marceaux struck out nine in the five to four victory as the freshman looked healthy after batting arm problems earlier this year. Coach Paul Mainieri liked how Marceaux battled back from a shaky start…
cut 17 (09) “…as well”
Marceaux is scheduled to start again on Sunday when the Tigers host Ole Miss for a weekend series. On his call-in radio show last night, Mainieri didn’t sound optimistic that Cole Henry would return to the weekend rotation, because of elbow soreness.

LSU football has received a verbal pledge from four-star linebacker Antoine Sampah of Virginia. He’s the 11th out of state commit in the Tigers 2020 recruiting class, which is currently ranked number one in the nation according to 24-7 sports.

In high school football, Tommy Tharp is reportedly leaving as the head football coach of Mangham. Tharp led the Dragons to three state runner-up finishes from 2013 to 2015.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s name has emerged again in the NCAA corruption trial. A recording was played of convicted former Arizona coach Book Richardson and in the video Richardson said Wade told him about 300-thousand dollar recruiting offer for five-star recruit Naz Reid. At this point, the recruiting violation allegation is just hearsay, but Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says the ongoing trial is painting a picture of how much illegal money is flowing in recruiting….
cut 9 (09) “…continues”
LSU released a statement that says they continue to monitor the situation, but they have no comment at this time because of the fluid nature of the matter.

Four-star linebacker Antoine Sampah from Virginia has announced his verbal pledge to the LSU Tigers. He’s ranked as the nation’s second best inside linebacker by 24-7 sports.

Once LSU got past the disappointing loss to Alabama on Friday, Coach Paul Mainieri says a lot of encouraging things occurred for the Tigers who went on to win the series over Crimson Tide. Mainieri says he liked what he saw from catcher Saul Garza, who hit his second home run of the season on Sunday….
cut 18 (15) “….getting better”
Mainieri says Garza will continue to split time with Brock Mathis behind the plate during the final three weeks of the regular season.

One of the best athletic trainers in the NBA is reportedly leaving Phoenix for New Orleans. Aaron Nelson has been with the Suns since the Charles Barkley’s days, but the Pelicans new head man of basketball operations David Griffen apparently convinced him to come to the Big Easy.

In high school football, Tommy Tharp is reportedly leaving as the head football coach of Mangham. Tharp led the Dragons t three state runner-up finishes from 2013 to 2015. His departure means the three Richland Parish schools all have head coaching vacancies in football.

LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s name surfaced in a federal courtroom in New York today where an NCAA corruption trial is ongoing. A recording was played in which a former Arizona assistant coach said he discussed with Wade a 300-thousand dollar recruiting offer in order to get Reid to sign with LSU. Reid played a vital role this past season in helping LSU win an SEC regular season title. There has yet to be any corroborating evidence in court connecting Wade to this potential deal.

In football recruiting, LSU’s 2020 class is rated number one in the country. On Sunday, the Tigers received a verbal commitment from five-star wide receiver Rakim Jarrett from Washington D-C. LSU has 13 commitments for the 2020 class, which is ranked ahead of Clemson, Alabama and Miami.

LSU baseball has moved up slightly in the polls after taking two out of three, while Louisiana Tech lost its ranking in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper after getting swept by Rice.

Despite only one pick in the first three rounds, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis says the team selected three players rated in the top 70 on their board. New Orleans made two trades during the seven round draft to move up. In round two, they made a deal with Miami to take Texas A&M Center Erik McCoy and in the fourth round they executed a deal with the Jets to take Florida safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they were calculated moves
Cut 16 (14) “…lot of times”
The Saints have a kicker in Will Lutz, but former LSU Tiger Cole Tracy will reportedly have a try out with New Orleans during their mini-camp. Tracy says he will also have a try out with the Packers.

Former LSU running back Nick Brossette has signed as a free agent with the Patriots. Former Northwestern State wide receiver Jazz Ferguson signs with Seattle.