After dropping two of three to Ole Miss this past weekend, the LSU baseball team continues to fall in the rankings. Collegiate Baseball dropped the Tigers five spots to number 18, D-1 Baseball has LSU ranked 15th. The Bayou Bengals were ranked number one in the preseason, but Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says injuries have taken their toll on this team…
cut 18 (11) “…of a year”
Mainieri has ruled freshman starting pitcher Cole Henry out for the upcoming SEC series against Arkansas. It will be the third weekend that Henry will miss because of elbow soreness. The Tigers host La Tech tonight. The Bulldogs have lost seven of their last eight. First pitch is 6:30.

Elsewhere tonight, Nicholls is at Tulane. Southern visits UNO and Southeastern Louisiana hosts South Alabama.

The Tiger Atheltic Foundation Coaches Caravan stops in West Monroe tonight. It’s a free event open to the public at the Walk On’s Restaurant in West Monroe. Coach Ed Orgeron will be there. He was in Shreveport last night for the Coaches Caravan and Coach O talked about his early concerns with the 2019 team…
cut 30 (21) “….unanswered questions”

New LSU athletics director Scott Woodward appeared on ESPN’s After Further Review with Matt Mascona and was asked about basketball coach Will Wade. Woodward says Wade has their support and backing and it will be that way until it’s not. He added that they hope Wade is LSU’s coach for a long time, but things change and minds change.

LSU Baseball coach Paul Mainieri has already announced that freshman right-hander Cole Henry will not pitch in the upcoming SEC series against Arkansas. Henry has missed the last two weekends, because of soreness in his elbow and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says news of Henry not pitching against the Razorbacks raises serious concerns…
cut 16 (18) “…don’t know”
Tonight, LSU will host Louisiana Tech and the Tigers will send freshman right hander Chase Costello to the mound. He’s battled his own injuries and hasn’t pitched in two weeks. Tech will start freshman left-hander Logan Robbins on the mound. He’s 3-and-3 with a 5.30 ERA. First pitch is at 6:30.

Elsewhere tonight, Nicholls is at Tulane. Southern visits UNO and Southeastern Louisiana hosts South Alabama.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron was in Shreveport last night for the program’s annual Coaches Caravan. Orgeron was asked about LSU’s number two recruiting class where 11 of the 14 commitments are out of state…
cut 30 (14) “…out of state”
Clemson has moved past LSU for the number one spot in the 24-7 recruiting rankings.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban will be on the Grambling State campus today for an event called “A Town Hall with Coach Nick Saban.” It’s part of the celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late and legendary Grambling Coach Eddie Robinson.
cut 6 (10) “…right now”
That’s Grambling S-I-D Brian Howard who says tickets are still available at their athletic website.

It could have been one of the great comebacks in LSU baseball history, the Tigers hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the 9th inning to erase a 5 run deficit, but ended up losing 19-15 in 10 innings to Ole Miss. Coach Paul Mainieri says it was a wild game…
cut 17 (25) “to stop”
Ole Miss responded to the home barrage by LSU by scoring four runs in the 10th inning off of Devin Fontenot.

And there’s more bad news concerning LSU’s pitching. Mainieri told Tiger Rag’s James Moran that freshman starter Cole Henry will not make the trip to Fayetteville for the series at Arkansas.

At the state capitol today, the Senate Finance Committee began asking questions about possible renovations to the Superdome and if it’s in the best interest in the state to pay for them. Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District Commissioner Hilary Landry says investing into the Dome is a wise decision…
cut 9 (11) “…incalculable”
But Baton Rouge Senator Bodi White says there’s just not enough information available right now to make an informed decision about whether or not the state should fork over the cash for this sought-after renovation.
Cut 11 (10) “…back.”
The Saints have reportedly committed to paying a third of those costs, but the rest of that money could have to be appropriated by the state legislature. Expect more discussion on this topic over the next year.

LSU baseball rallied back from a six-run deficit in the ninth inning with three consecutive home runs, but still lost to Ole Miss 19-15 in the 10th inning. The loss drops LSU into fourth place in the SEC West with a 14-10 record. Antoine Duplantis, who had five hits, including a three-run homer in the 9th, says with eight games left, they can’t have too many more losses…
cut 19 (16) “the year”
LSU will host Louisiana Tech on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are struggling as they’ve lost seven of their last eight.

LSU really needs to get it going. They are on the verge of not getting a bye for the SEC Tournament, but more importantly, the Tigers might be on the road again for an NCAA Regional.

Today marks new LSU athletics director Scott Woodward’s first day on the job. Woodward has posted a letter to the LSU family on the school’s athletics website. In that published statement, Woodward says he believes in LSU and he believes the school will win championships under his leadership.

Louisiana Tech is Conference USA champs in softball. The Lady Techsters defeated Southern Miss twice on their Senior Day to claim a share of the league title with North Texas. Tech will be the number two seed in the Conference USA tournament in Birmingham this week.

After getting swept by Alabama, LSU softball finished third in the SEC and they’ll be play Thursday in the SEC Tournament in College Station, Texas.

The Cajuns are the number one seed in the Sun Belt softball tournament and they’ll play Thursday afternoon. ULM is the eight seed and they’ll face Appalachian State in San Marcos, Texas on Wednesday.

The LSU Baseball team hit back-to-back-to-back home runs to help erase a six run deficit in the ninth inning, but the Tigers still lost 19-15 in 10 innings to Ole Miss. The Rebels responded to the home run barrage by scoring four runs in the 10th inning as Coach Paul Mainieri says losing pitcher Devin Fontenot struggled with his command again.
Cut 18 (17) able to”
The loss drops LSU into fourth place in the SEC West with a 14-10 record, three games back of first place Arkansas, who the Tigers will visit for a series on Thursday. LSU needs a strong finish to avoid playing on the first day of the SEC Tournament and to make sure they host a Regional.

With two more conference weekends to go, Southeastern Louisiana is tied with Sam Houston State for first place in the league standings. The Lions scored two runs in the eighth inning yesterday to beat Lamar six to four.

Elsewhere, McNeese knocked off Stephen F Austin five to one to complete a three-game sweep. Clayton Rasbeary rocked a grand slam. Nicholls outlasted Houston Baptist four to three in 15 innings. Brady Bell’s base hit with the bases loaded started the walk-off celebration.

Northwestern State swept a doubleheader from Grambling State. Louisiana Tech spilt a doubleheader with Old Dominion on Saturday. The Bulldogs are in Baton Rouge on Tuesday to visit LSU.

Southern split a doubleheader with Prairie View. The Jaguars are SWAC Western Division champs thanks to a 12-8 win on Saturday.

The Ragin Cajuns are still in last place in the Sun Belt’s West Division after losing to Coastal Carolina 11-9 yesterday. ULM topped UT-Arlington six to three to take the series. The Warhawks have won six of their last eight games.

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.