Former LSU star Aaron Nola won his 11th game yesterday as Philadelphia defeated Baltimore four to one. Nola allowed one run and seven hits in his fifth straight decision. The Phillies have won four in a row and they trail NL East leading Atlanta by one and a half-games.

In Chicago, former LSU star Louis Coleman gave up a couple of runs in relief and the Cubs defeated the Tigers five to two. Chicago remains one game back of Milwaukee for the division lead in the NL Central.

Also yesterday, Houston rallied back from a four-run deficit to beat Texas five to four in ten innings. Alex Bregman was 1-for-4 with an RBI as the Astros have won eight straight over their in-state rivals. Houston also gained a game on Seattle in the American West as the Mariners lost to the Angeles seven to four. The Astros lead for first place is 1.5 games.

LSU Pitcher Zack Hess was very sharp last night in the United States 1-0 win over Japan. Hess started and threw three shutout innings and struck out four. But a rain delay of an hour and eight minutes ended his night.

The Ragin Cajuns softball program has signed a graduate transfer from Texas A-and-M. In three seasons at College Station, Keeli Milligan hit .339, scored 130 runs and stole 105 bases.

In college football….Georgia’s projected starting quarterback Jake Fromm broke his non-throwing hand in a boating accident on Monday. Fromm’s hand was reportedly fractured when a rope toeing his friend behind the boat came down on his hand. Bulldogs Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN the injury was insignificant and Fromm has already resumed throwing. LSU hosts Georgia on October 13th.

It’s another off-day at the World Cup in Russia. Quarterfinal play begins tomorrow. France faces Uruguay and Brazil will battle Belgium.

The Pelicans roster for 2018-19 looks much different today after a wild day of NBA free agency. In a matter of a few hours, Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins left the Pels and signed one-year contracts with the Lakers and Warriors respectively. But New Orleans has replaced them with forward Julius Randle, who played really well for the Lakers in the second half last season. And former Ragin Cajun Elfrid Payton has signed a one-year deal and he’ll look to replace Rondo. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner of the Advocate says Payton is a poor shooter, but can handle the ball and play solid defense…
cut 10 (12) “…either”
The 24-year-old Payton signed a one-year, 2.7 million dollar contract with New Orleans. The 23-year-old Randle signed a 2-year, 18 million dollar contract with a player option to opt out in year two.

A month from today, the LSU Tigers will report for August camp. Ohio State transfer quarterback Joe Burrow will finally get a chance to practice with his new team. But offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger says the coaching staff still has high hopes for the other three scholarship quarterbacks on the roster….
cut 18 (19) “…his legs”
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Devin White and cornerback Greedy Williams have been named pre-season All-Americans by Sporting News. White led the SEC in tackles last season, while Williams intercepted six passes a year ago and held opposing quarterbacks to a 22.9 passer rating when targeted.

In World Cup Action today….England eliminated Columbia as they won on penalty kicks 4-3. The game ended in a 1-1 tie. England will play Sweden in the quarterfinals, who beat Switzerland 1-nil.

Big changes in the Big Easy as the Pelicans roster has been restructured during NBA free agency. Veteran point guard Rajon Rondo went to L-A, and All-Star Center Demarus Cousins is heading to Golden State. They’ve been replaced by former Ragin Cajun point guard Elfrid Payton and six-foot-nine forward Julius Randle. Pelicans beat writer Scott Kushner for the Advocate says it’s definitely a mixed bag for Pels fans, but could really pay off.
cut 9 (11) “proven guys”
Many NBA fans and analysts are already proclaiming Golden State as the champions of the 2018-19 season with the addition of Cousins, which gives the Super Team five All-stars.

When the Saints host the Eagles in November, Philadelphia will wear their home green jerseys. That’s because Eagles Coach Doug Pederson reportedly beat Saints Coach Sean Payton in a game of golf that needed a three-hole playoff to decide.

LSU’s Devin White and Greedy Williams have been named pre-season All-Americans by Sporting News. White led the SEC in tackles last season while Williams intercepted six passes a year ago and held opposing quarterbacks to a 22.9 passer rating when targeted.

Don’t expect many players on LSU’s offense to land pre-season teams, but Offensive Coordinator Steve Ensminger believes he has a lot of talented skill position players to work with…
cut 17 (07) “…the football”
Ensminger says instead of relying on a couple of running backs in years past, they will have more a running back corp by committee. He also expect to see a lot of three wide receiver looks.

A new Sports Illustrated report says the wife of LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron, Kelly Orgeron, had a near death experience in May 2017. Kelly Orgeron was born with scoliosis and had two major surgeries last year. But during the first surgery, a surgeon hit her colon, causing her stomach to swell, which required an additional surgery and another three weeks in the hospital. The story by Ross Dellenger also discusses her battle with depression.

A shocking night in the NBA last night as four-time All Star DeMarcus Cousins is leaving the New Orleans Pelicans for the NBA champion Golden State Warriors. Cousins reportedly agreed to a one-year, 5.3 million dollar contract. The All-Star center ends up playing in just 65 games for the Pels over two seasons. Cousins says he never received an offer from New Orleans.

Rajon Rondo is also done in New Orleans. The veteran point guard has agreed to a one-year, nine million dollar contract with the Lakers.

But the Pelicans have signed 23-year-old big man Julius Randle to a two-year contract, worth a reported 18-million dollars. The former Kentucky star had his best season as a pro last year with the Lakers as he averaged 16 points and eight rebounds in 82 games. The six-foot-nine, athletic, playmaker has missed just nine games over the last three seasons.

LSU Offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger is staying busy this offseason installing an offense that will be put into motion when players report a month from today. Ensminger says the important message they are trying to get through to players is simple.
Cut 16 (16) “…or a safety.”

A new Sports Illustrated article says the wife of LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron, Kelly Orgeron, had a near death experience in May 2017. Kelly Orgeron was born with scoliosis and had two major surgeries last year as neurosurgeons inserted rods and screws into her lumbar spine and hips. But during the first surgery, a surgeon hit her colon, causing her stomach to swell, which required an additional surgery and another three weeks in the hospital.

The wife of LSU football coach Ed Orgeron nearly died in May of 2017. That’s according to a new Sports Illustrated report. Kelly Orgeron, who was born with scoliosis, had two ten-hour surgeries to insert rods and screws into her spine and hips last year. One of the surgeons mistakenly hit her colon, caused her stomatch to swell, resulting in three weeks in the hospital and an additional surgery.

Former Ragin Cajun and Gretna native Elfrid Payton is coming back home. The point guard has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. In five NBA seasons, Payton has averaged 11 points and six assists a game, but he’s only shot 46-percent from the field and 20-percent from three-point territory. Payton will presumably be replacing Rajon Rondo, who reports say has agreed to a deal with the Lakers.

Will DeMarcus Cousins join LeBron James and Rondo in Los Angeles. ESPN reports the Lakers have reached out to Boogie, who has also spoken with the Pelicans from his home in Mobile, Alabama. At this point, L-A and New Orleans are the only two teams who have shown interest in the 27-year-old, who is rehabbing from a torn achillies.

Former LSU baseball All-American Alex Bregman was named the American League Player of the Month for June and the Houston infielder also took home A-L Player of the Week honors. Bregman hit five home runs this past week and had nine doubles and eleven home runs during the month of June. The first place Astros are off today, up a half a game over Seattle.

Former LSU standout David Toms knocked in a 15 foot birdie putt on 16 and a 20-footer on 17 to save par and that resulted in a US Senior Open Championship for the Shreveport golfer. Toms finished at three-under par for his first win on either the regular tour or senior tour in seven years.

ESPN’s Mike Triplett reports Philadelphia will wear their green home jerseys when they visit the Saints in the Superdome in November. That’s because Eagles Coach Doug Pederson won a golf wager over the Saints Sean Payton. It was quite the battle and it took three extra holes to decide a winner.

At the World Cup, Beligum over Japan 3-2 and Brazil blanked Mexico 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals.

The N-B-A’s Western Conference is even more difficult now for the Pelicans as LeBron James is leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for a second-time in his career for the sunshine and good weather in Los Angeles. The three time NBA champion has signed a four-year, 154-million dollar contract with the Lakers.

With James in L-A, could DeMarcus Cousins join him? League sources say the Lakers are trying to sign the 27-year-old unrestricted free agent. ESPN says Cousins has heard from the Lakers and the Pelicans since free agency began Sunday morning.

New Orleans has made one-free agent signing. Former Ragin Cajun and Gretna native Elfird Payton has agreed to a one-year deal with the Pels. In five seasons in the NBA, Payton has averaged 11 points and six assists a game, but he’s shot just 30-percent from three point territory.

Former LSU standout and Shreveport golfer David Toms won the U-S Senior Open yesterday as he shot three-under part for the tournament in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Toms made two big putts on the last three holes, a 15-foot birdie that put him in the lead on 16 and then a 20-footer to save par on 17.

Louisiana High School football is mourning the death of former St. James Football Coach Rick Gaille, who led the Wildcats to three state championship appearances during his 19-year coaching career at St James. He won 169 games through the 2010 season. Gaille was diagnosed with cancer last year.

The USA Baseball Collegiate Team beat Chinese Taipei four to two on Sunday night as they scored all of their runs in the third inning. LSU’s Daniel Cabrera had the big hit, a two-run single to give the US a 3-0 lead.

Former LSU star Kevin Gausman pitched eighth innings to snap a streak of eight winless starts as the Orioles beat the Los Angeles Angels eight to two.

Texas Southern will introduce former LSU coach and player Johnny Jones as its new men’s basketball coach tomorrow. The DeRidder native spent last season as an associate head coach at Nevada, helping the Wolfpack reach the Sweet 16. He was 90-and-72 during his five seasons as LSU’s head coach. Jones replaces Mike Davis, who is now the head coach at Detroit-Mercy.

Anthony Davis missed out on receiving any end of the year awards at the NBA Awards Show last night. A-D was up for Defensive Player of the Year and M-V-P. Houston’s James Harden won the M-V-P as expected and Utaz Jazz Center Rudy Gobert won the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year Award. Former LSU standout Ben Simmons was named Rookie fo the Year.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees comes in at number eight in the NFL Network’s annual list of the top 100 players. It’s the first time Brees has been ranked in the top ten since the 2014 season. He set an NFL record last season with a 72-percent passing percentage.

Alabama three-star linebacker Kendall McCallum becomes the 18th commitment of the 2019 recruiting class for the Tgiers. He’s six-foot-three, 235 pounds and also had offers from Louisville, Ole Miss and Missouri. He’s ranked by 24=7 sports as the 25th best inside linebacker in the nation.

LSU-Eunice’s Zach Hester has been named the national junior college division two player of the year. The right-hander from Texas was 13-and-1 with a 2.34 ERA with 133 strikeouts as he helped LSU-E win a national title.

Mississippi State has named Chris Lemonis as its new head baseball coach. The 48-year-old has led the Indiana Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament in three of the past four seasons. Lemonis replaces interim coach Gary Henderson, who just led the Bulldogs to a surprise trip to the College World Series.

Game one of the championship series of the C-W-S was rained out last night. So they will try again tonight at 6 PM. Arkansas will send Blaine Knight to the hill. He’s 13-0 while Oregon State’s Luke Heimlich will go for the Beavers. He’s 16-2 on the year.

Argentina has reached the knockout round of the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Nigeria. France and Denmark played to a zero-zero tie and Crotia won again by beating Iceland 2-1.

Pelicans star Anthony Davis came away empty handed from last night’s NBA Awards Show. Davis did not receive the Defensive Player of the Year award. That instead went to Utah’s Rudy Gobert. A-D was also a finalist for M-V-P, but as expected that award went to Houston’s James Harden. Former LSU standout Ben Simmons won the Rookie of the Year Award.

Former LSU basketball coach Johnny Jones has a new head coaching gig as Texas Southern has hired the DeRidder native. Jones will replace Mike Davis, who led the SWAC school to two straight trips to the NCAA Tournament. The 57-year-old Jones was fired by LSU in March of 2017.

The LSU football program added another verbal commitment yesterday. Three-star Inside linebacker Kendall McCallum has announced he’s heading to LSU after high school sgraduation. The Oxford, Alabama product also considered Ole Miss and Missouri. 24-7 ranks LSU’s 2019 recruiting class as third best in the country, behind Alabama and Texas A-and-M.

LSU-Eunice’s Zach Hester has been named the national junior college division two player of the year. The right-hander from Texas was 13-and-1 with a 2.34 ERA with 133 strikeoutes as he helped LSU-E win a national title.

Mississippi State has named Chris Lemonis as its new head baseball coach. The 48-year-old has led the Indiana Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament in three of the past four seasons. Lemonis replaces interim coach Gary Henderson, who just led the Bulldogs to a surprise trip to the College World Series.

Game one of the championship series of the C-W-S was rained out last night. So they will try again tonight at 6 PM. Arkansas will send Blaine Knight to the hill. He’s 13-0 while Oregon State’s Luke Heimlich will go for the Beavers. He’s 16-2 on the year.

LSU football added another commitment to its 2019 recruiting class today. Three-star Alabama linebacker Kendall McCallum became the seventh verbal pledge for the Tigers in as many days. He chose the Bayou Bengals over Ole Miss and Missouri. He’s ranked as the 25th best inside linebacker for the Class of 2019. Shea Dixon of 24-7 sports says LSU has seen its team ranking jump in the last two weeks from outside the Top 15 to number three…
cut 19 (13) “….the moment”
Alabama and Texas A-and-M are the two schools ranked ahead of LSU.

Former LSU Head basketball coach Johnny Jones has landed another head coaching gig. Texas Southern has reportedly hired the DeRidder native, who was fired from LSU In March 2017.

The NBA is handing out a bunch of awards tonight and the Pelicans Anthony Davis is up for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. James Harden and Lebron James are the two MVP finalists. Davis has a better chance at Defensive Player of the Year, where he’s up against Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid.

LSU baseball signee Brice Turang has yet to sign with the Brewers, after Milwaukee selected the shortstop from California in the first round. He’s been labeled as the next Alex Bregman and has until July 6th to sign with the Brewers.

Speaking of Bregman, he’s been slumping at the plate, so during the middle of yesterday’s game he shaved his mustache. Bregman still went hitles in yestrday’s game and made an error, but Houston still beat Kansas City eleven to three. The Stros host Toronto tonight.

And tonight is Game One of the College World Series as Arkansas tries to become the fifth SEC Team to win the C-W-S since 2009. The Beavers are trying to win their first title since 2007.

The LSU football program received five verbal pledges in five days and now 24-7 sports has the Tigers ranked as having the third best recruiting class for 2019. Yesterday, three-star cornerback Cordale Flott de-committed from Auburn and flipped to LSU. The Tigers also landed a pair of junior college prospects since Friday night. Copiah-Lincoln Community college tight end TK McClendon and Eastern Arizona Community College defensive back Dreshun Miller. 24-seven-sports-dot-com’s Shea Dixon really likes the addition of Miller…
Cut 18 (19) “the country”
LSU’s 2019 recruiting class consists of two five-star commitments and six-four star prospects.

The NBA Awards are tonight and the Pelicans Anthony Davis is a finalist for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. LeBron James and James Harden are also in the running for MVP. Rudy Gobert and Joel Embid are the other two finalists for Defensive Player of the Year.

The Louisiana Sports Writers Association has named Northwestern State’s David Fry as the hitter of the year. The senior hit .336 with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs. The Demons Bobby Barbier was named Coach of the Year as Northwestern State won the Southland Conference Tournament. Ragin Cajuns’ Colton Schmidt was named Pitcher of Year as he went 7-0 with a 2.45 ERA. LSU’s Daniel Cabrera is the Freshman of the Year.

LSU baseball still waiting to see if Brice Turang will come to Baton Rouge or sign with the Milwaukee Brewers, who selected the shortstop in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft.

And there’s some sad news to pass along, Eunice native Jason Johnson died his injuries sustained during a bad wreck at a World of Outlaws race in Wisconsin. He was just 41-years-old.