A big storyline heading into this weekend’s Super Regional series between LSU and Florida State is that the legendary career for Seminoles head coach Mike Martin could come to an end. The owner of two-thousand plus victories is retiring when F-S-U’s season ends. The voice of Florida State baseball Eric Luallen says Martin’s final season has been a theme all year…
cut 17 (21) “…focus is now”

LSU baseball signee Christian Cairo was set to enroll into summer classes when the Cleveland Indians called. They just drafted him in the fourth round and the shortstop from Tampa decided to take the money and play pro ball.

Saints Coach Sean Payton says he feels good about the team’s defensive line heading into 2019, despite losing Tyeler Davison and Alex Okafor to free agency. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is also expected to miss the start of the season as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles. During the offseason, the team signed Mario Edwards, who can play both tackle and defensive end. Edwards on what he brings to the Black and Gold…
cut 30 (06) “…contribute”
The Mississippi native has 7.5 sacks during his four-year career in the NFL.

The legislative session comes to a close tomorrow at 6 PM. Lawmakers still have a chance to approve the legislation that would help bring sports betting to Louisiana. The fantasy sports tax and regulation bills also need approval for residents to participate in online fantasy sports contests.

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri plans to announce the Tigers pitching rotation for the super regional on Friday. The Super Regional Series against Florida State begins Saturday at 2 PM. The Seminoles pitching plans are also unknown.

F-S-U’s ace is ten-game winner CJ Van Eyk. They also have a southpaw that starts. Drew Parrish is 8-and-5 with an ERA of 5.07. But he’s struck out 112 in 81.2 innings pitched. The voice of the Florida State baseball team Eric Luallen says the home run ball has been an issue for Parrish…
cut 18 (20) “…this year”
Florida State’s top hitter is Drew Mendoza, who has 16 home runs on the season.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is missing Organized Training Activities this week, because he’s reportedly at a trial in San Diego. Last year, Brees filed a lawsuit against a California based jeweler they bought diamonds from. In a statement to TMZ last year, Brees says they paid nine million dollars more than what the diamonds are worth.

The Independence Bowl is reportedly losing its tie-in with the SEC. Starting in 2020 the annual football game in Shreveport will have teams from the ACC and PAC-12 play in the bowl game. In 2020, 2022 and 2024 the SEC will have teams play in the Las Vegas Bowl.

The Pelicans are reportedly listening to trade offers for disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis. Newly hired Pelicans executive David Griffin reportedly met with Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, last week to see if the six-time All-Star had a change of heart and wanted to stay in New Orleans. But Davis is still apparently seeking a trade, even though the Pels own the top overall pick in the draft.

LSU’s Super Regional Series against Florida State will begin Saturday at 2 PM at Alex Box Stadium. Game Two will be at 5 o’ clock on Sunday and if the third game is needed, it will be played on Monday night at 7:30.

Tiger Rag Editor James Morgan says LSU is in this position because of its pitching….
cut 17 (21) “….College World Series”
Florida State is also playing its best baseball of the season. The Seminoles went 3-0 in the Athens Regional outscoring their opponents 35 to 11.

Last night, shortstop Josh Smith was drafted in the second round of the Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees. Today in the third round, Baltimore took centerfielder Zach Watson.

The Pelicans are reportedly listening to trade offers for disgruntled superstar Anthony Davis. Newly hired Pelicans executive David Griffin reportedly met with Davis and his agent, Rich Paul, last week to see if the six-time All-Star had a change of heart and wanted to stay in New Orleans. But there have been reports that Davis is still seeking a trade, even though the Pels own the top overall pick in the draft.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was not at today’s session of organized team activities because he was reportedly in San Diego dealing with a lawsuit. Court records indicate that Brees and his wife are suing a San Diego-based jeweler. It gave backup Teddy Bridgewater a chance to run the first team offense.

The Independence Bowl is reportedly losing its tie-in with the SEC. Starting in 2020 the annual football game in Shreveport will have teams from the ACC and PAC-12 play in the bowl game. In 2020, 2022 and 2024 the SEC will have teams playing in the Las Vegas Bowl and the Gasprilla Bowl in Tampa.

Dates and times have been set for the LSU-Florida State Super Regional Series. The best of three series will begin Saturday at two PM. Game Two is set for Sunday at 5 PM and if Game Three is necessary, the contest will get underway at 7:30 on Monday night.

The Seminoles looked impressive at the Athens Regional, beating Georgia twice by wide margins. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the Seminoles are playing for their longtime head coach…
cut 18 (22) “…the door”

The New York Yankees selected LSU shortstop Josh Smith in the second round of last night’s Major League Baseball draft. But two sport star Maurice Hampton went undrafted in the first round and the Memphis native is expected to play both football and baseball at LSU.

A House vote is scheduled today on a bill that contains both online fantasy sports tax regulation rules and a measure that would give voters a chance to legalize sports betting at casinos. Fairness for Fantasy sports spokesperson Ryan Berni says tying the two issues together could result in both proposals NOT passing. Berni hopes lawmakers remove sports betting from the Fantasy sports bill….
cut 12 (06) “…of the voters”
Voters in 47 parishes voted to legalize online fantasy sports contests for cash prizes last November.

Two LSU Tigers are on the College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. Former LSU running back Kevin Faulk and defensive tackle Glen Dorsey are among the more than 200 college football players and coaches on the ballot for the 2020 Class. Former Louisiana Tech coach Maxie Lambert is also a nominee. He led Tech to three straight Division Two titles from 1972 to 1974.

The LSU Tigers are two wins away from playing in the College World Series. The Bayou Bengals are playing their best baseball at the right time of the season and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says there is a good reason why that is…

cut 16 (15) “…right now”

Freshman pitchers Landon Marceaux and Cole Henry have battled arm injuries this season, but they are healthy now and pitched very well in the Regional.

In the Major League Baseball Draft last night, LSU shortstop Josh Smith was selected in the second round of the draft by the New York Yankees. Smith is hitting .346 with nine homers 41 RBIs, 69 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.

Tulane third baseman Kody Hoese went in the first round to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Two-sport star Marucie Hampton from Memphis was not selected in the first round and announced on Twitter he’s heading to LSU. Hampton will be a defensive back for Coach Ed Orgeron and roam the outfield for Paul Mainieri.

In the NFL, six-time pro bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is staying in the NFC South. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer has reportedly signed with Carolina.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell once again expressed his desire to shorten the four-game preseason. Goodell said at a charity golf tournament in New York that he doesn’t think its necessary four preseason games is needed to evaluate and develop players. Goodell says the issue is part of preliminary talks on a new collective bargaining agreement with the players association.

Two LSU Tigers are on the College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. Former LSU running back Kevin Faulk and defensive tackle Glen Dorsey are among the more than 200 college football players and coaches on the ballot for the 2020 Class. Former Louisiana Tech coach Maxie Lambert is also a nominee. He led Tech to three straight Division Two titles from 1972 to 1974.

LSU will play in a Super Regional series for a 14th time in program history as the Fighting Tigers won the Baton Rouge Regional last night with a six to four victory over Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles took a lead after trailing 3-0, but Coach Paul Mainieri’s team battled back to secure the victory…
Cut 16 (19) “…they were awesome”
Josh Smith drove in three runs, Zach Watson had a two-run single to give the Tigers the lead for good, Antoine Duplantis set the school’s all-time hits record with a single in the first. There was also excellent relief pitching by Matthew Beck, Trent Vietmeier and Devin Fontenot.

LSU will host Florida State in a super regional series this weekend.

Tonight is the Major League Baseball Draft. Tulane third baseman Kody Hoese is expected to be a first round draft pick. The American Athletic Conference Player of the Year hit 23 home runs this past season after failing to hit a single home run two years ago.

LSU shortstop Josh Smith could be drafted tonight. Zack Hess, Zach Watson, Todd Peterson and Antoine Duplantis are expected to be drafted in the first ten rounds.

LSU football signee Maurice Hampton could also be a first round pick tonight. Hampton has said he would like to play both football and baseball at LSU, but the outfielder from Memphis could receive a million dollar plus contract offer to become a professional baseball palyer.

Six teams from the SEC, including LSU have advanced to the Super Regionals. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss are the others. The Rebels and Razorbacks will play each other in the Super Regionals in Fayetteville.

Earlier today, Louisville beat Illinois State four to three to advance to the Super Regionals.

LSU will host Florida State in a Super Regional Series. The Tigers punched their ticket to the Supers by beating Southern Miss six to four last night to win a Regional Championship. A couple of weeks ago, there were some who doubted if LSU would host a Regional, let alone a Super Regional. But junior shortstop Josh Smith says some people forget LSU was ranked number one in the preseason…
Cut 18 (22) “for that”
Also last night, a big night for Tigers right fielder Antoine Duplantis as he became LSU’s all-time hit king with a single up the middle in the first inning to pass Eddy Furniss for most hits in school history.

Six teams from the SEC, including LSU have advanced to the Super Regionals. Mississippi State, Arkansas, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Ole Miss are the others. The Rebels and Razorbacks will play each other in the Super Regionals in Fayetteville.

There are six Regionals that still have to be decided today. This afternoon, Louisville faces Illinois State, East Carolina takes on Campbell. Tonight at six o’ clock its Michigan versus Creighton in the Corvallis Regional. UCONN battles Oklahoma State in the Oklahoma City Regional. At nine o’ clock tonight, Loyola Marymount meets UCLA and Stanford faces Fresno State.

Tonight is the first two rounds of the Major League Baseball Draft. Tulane third baseman Kody Hoese is expected to be selected in the first round. LSU football commitment Maruice Hampton will have a decision to make.The Tennessee native is also an oustanding outfielder.

The NBA Finals are tied at one game a piece as Golden State topped Toronto 109 to 104 last night.

The LSU Tigers scored five runs in the first inning on their way to a 17-3 win over Stony Brook in the Baton Rouge Regional opening round. The Bayou Bengals put crooked numbers on the board through the first five innings and the 17 runs is the most in an NCAA Tournament game for LSU since 2008, the 21-7 win over UC Irvine in the last game at the old Alex Box Stadium.

Antoine Duplantis had three hits to tie Eddy Furniss for most career hits in LSU history. Brandt Broussard continues to swing a hot bat, as he blasted a three-run homer in the fourth inning. Zach Watson also homered, his first in a month. Landon Marceaux gave up one earned run in five innings for the win.

LSU will face Southern Miss tonight in a winner’s bracket game. The Golden Eagles soared past Arizona State 15-3. Southern Miss scored a dozen runs in the fifth inning. LSU will start Cole Henry on the hill. First pitch is at 6 PM.
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Indiana State’s Dane Tottleland’s two-out, two strike home run in the fifth inning was the key hit in the Sycamores 6-5 win over McNeese. Nate Fisbeck had a two-run triple in a losing effort. The Cowboys will face Ohio State today in an elimination game. Rhett Deaton will start on the hill for the Pokes.

Southern and Mississippi State were tied at six in the seventh inning, but an error on a double play ball by second baseman Johnny Johnson allowed the Bulldogs to bust out for three runs in that inning and State went on to win 11-6. The Jaguars will meet Miami in an elimination game today.

Beer and wine could be available for purchase in the general seating areas in Tiger Stadium this year as the SEC has lifted its stadium wide ban on alcohol sales. LSU has been pushing for this as Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the school believes beer and wine sales can help keep Tiger Stadium full in the second half of games
Cut 14 (06) “…elsewhere”

Right-hander Landon Marceaux will start on the mound tonight when the Tigers face Stony Brook in the Baton Rouge Regional. Marceaux has been the Tigers best starting pitcher the last three weeks. Coach Paul Mainieri says he decided to go with the freshman, because he wanted to send a message to the rest of the team that they should not overlook the Seawolves…
cut 18 (19) “..against em”
Senior second baseman Brandt Broussard is expected to be back in the line-up tonight. He left last Friday’s game against Mississippi State with tightness in his right arm, but he feels better now. Relief pitcher Trent Vietmeier is also expected to be available as he’s recovered from a shoulder injury.

McNeese struck first with a run in the first inning, but Indiana State responded with a three-run third inning and went on to beat the Cowboys six to five. The two teams combined for 26 hits. McNeese starting pitching Aiden Anderson gave up ten hits and four runs. Nate Fisbeck had a two-run triple as the Pokes will be in an elimination game on Saturday.

Southern’s Johnny Johnson homered in the seventh inning to tie Mississippi State at six a piece. But Johnson committed an error in the bottom of the seventh, which opened the door for Bulldogs to score three runs and State went on to win 11 to six.

Beer and wine could be available for purchase in the general seating areas in Tiger Stadium this year as the SEC has lifted its stadium wide ban on alcohol sales. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says LSU has been a driving force behind this rule change
Cut 13 (07) “ policy”
Some schools may decide not to sell alcohol in the general seating areas, but Moran says LSU believes beer and wine sales can help keep Tiger Stadium full in the second half of games

LSU will send freshman right-hander Landon Marceaux to the mound tonight when the Tigers face Stony Brook in the Baton Rouge Regional opening round. The Destrehan native says he will not put any extra pressure on himself, because it’s a postseason game…
Cut 14 (09) “…who I am.”
Marceaux has battled arm injuries this season, but he’s been great his last three starts, posting an ERA of 1.45. Stony Brook counters with veteran right-hander Greg Marino, who is 5-4 with a 5.10 ERA.

Getting underway at noon, it’s Southern versus Mississippi State in Starkville and in Nashville, McNeese will take on Indiana State in another noon start. The Sycamores won the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. They are one of three teams from the M-V-C that made the NCAA Tournament. The other two teams in the Nashville Regional are Vanderbilt and Ohio State.

The LSU Board of Supervisors has approved contract extensions for the football team’s strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit and receivers coach Mickey Joseph.

LSU’s first two home football games this season will kick-off at 6:30, August 31st versus Georgia Southern and September 14th against Northwestern State.

The Ragin Cajuns game against Mississippi State in the Superdome will kick off at 11 AM on Saturday, August 31.

When Louisiana Tech hosts Grambling State on September seventh. That game will be televised by the NFL Network. Tech will be the first Conference USA team to appear on the NFL Network since the announcement of the partnership between the league and network.

At Saints O-T-A’s, guard Larry Warford has missed the last two weeks rehabbing an unknown injury. Coach Sean Payton hasn’t said what the injury is.

The SEC Spring Meetings ends today, the presidents and chancellors could vote today on alcohol sales at games.