06:45 Sportscast, June 21st, 2017

LSU faces Florida State again tonight in the College World Series. This time the loser will be eliminated. The Tigers defeated the Seminoles 5-4 in the opening round of the College World Series. In two games in Omaha, the LSU has driven in just four runs. Second baseman Cole Freeman expects the bats will get it going again…:
Cut 19 (19) “line now”
First pitch is 6pm.

Meanwhile, pitcher Eric Walker’s season is likely over, coach Paul Mainieri announced Tuesday. The freshman will undergo an MRI on his right arm when the team returns to Baton Rouge.

In other CWS action, Florida picked up a 5-1 victory over Louisville Tuesday. The Gators have won their first two games in Omaha for the first time in their four appearances, and will play Friday in the bracket 2 final against the winner of the Louisville/TCU elimination game tomorrow.

The NBA draft is tomorrow so the rumors are flying. Chris Mannix of The Vertical reports that the Boston Celtics are looking at Pelicans star Anthony Davis for a trade. But he says Davis is tied to a decent contract through 2021, and New Orleans seems committed to giving the power forward and DeMarcus Cousins pairing a full season together. The Pels enter tomorrow’s 6pm draft with just one pick to their name, the 40th overall selection in the second round.

A day after the LSU men’s basketball program announced senior-to-be center Elbert Robinson would leave the team, but remain in school, the Tigers landed a commitment from 6-foot-11 Oregon transfer Kavell Bigby-Williams, who committed after a visit to Baton Rouge last weekend.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 20th

LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri said today starting pitcher Eric Walker not only felt pain in his forearm, but in his elbow as well. Walker will see an orthopedic doctor when he gets back to Baton Rouge and he’ll get an MRI. He will obviously not pitch again this season after being removed in the third inning of last night’s 13-1 loss to Oregon State.

LSU faces an elimination game tomorrow night against Florida State. Mainieri says the loss to the Beavers makes the road to a national championship a lot more difficult…
Cut 19 (24) “win a game”
Mainieri says Jared Poche will start tomorrow against the Seminoles.

Today at the College World….sixth seeded TCU eliminated Texas A-and-M four to one. Brian Howard struck out a career 12 A-and-M hitters. It’s the third straight season that TCU has ended the Aggies season. Tonight it’s Florida versus Louisville, the loser will play the Horned Frogs on Thursday night.

There are some crazy rumors going on in the NBA as we are two days away from the draft. Chris Mannix with the Veritcal reports the Celtics are interested in acquring Pelicans star Anthony Davis. But Mannix reports the Pels are committed to A-D and DeMarcus Cousins for at least one season.

Oregon transfer Kavell Bigby-Williams has committed to LSU’s basketball program. He’s six-foot-ten and from London and in his one season at Oregon, he averaged 3 points, three rebounds and one blocked shot a game after transferring in from a junior college. Bigby-Williams could take the scholarship previously ocuppied by Center Elbert Robinson, who has ended his playing career because of medical reasons.

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 19th

LSU looks to extend its winning streak to 18 games when it faces 55-and-4 Oregon State tonight in the College World Series. The Beavers have won 22 straight. Both teams rallied from behind to win in the opening round of the C-W-S. Coach Paul Mainieri says he expects another hard fought battle tonight…
cut 17 (13) “…they do”
Freshman pitcher Eric Walker will start for the Tigers….
cut 10 (06) “…get a win”
OSU will send sophomore right-hander Bryce Fehmel to the hill. He’s 5-2 on the year with a 3.80 ERA.

A four-star running back from Baton Rouge has made a verbal pledge to the LSU Tigers. Tyrion Davis is six-foot-one, 215 pounds and he’s entering his junior season at Southern Lab. Davis also reportedly had an offer from Alabama.

The Tigers also picked up three verbal commitments over the weekend, including two from Ferriday High School, four-star defensive tackle Dare Rosenthal and his teammate, defensive end-slash-tight end Dantrieze Scott. Also committing to the Tigers over the weekend was Teurlings Catholic offensive tackle Thomas Perry. Perry is heading into his junior season, so he’s a commitment for the Class of 2019.

Former West Monroe star Jacob Pearson has been named Mr. Baseball in the state for 2017. Pearson was just drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Angels. He hit .519 this past season with 12 home runs.

North DeSoto’s E-C Delafield was named Miss Softball for 2017. Delafield was 23-3 this past and also hit .519 with 49 RBIs and seven home runs. Delafield is heading to Northwestern State.

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 19th

What a match up at the College World Series tonight as LSU faces top seeded Oregon State. The Tigers are 49-17 and have won 17 in a row, while the Beavers are 55-and-4 and have won 22 straight. Their last loss was on April 29th. Tigers senior shortstop Kramer Robertson says they know it will take a great effort to get a win over Oregon State…
cut 18 (15) “…to us”
Freshman Eric Walker will start for the Tigers on the mound. He’s pitched very well in his last two outings.

OSU will send sophomore right-hander Bryce Fehmel to the hill. He’s 5-2 on the year with a 3.80 ERA. Fehmel is coming off a complete game victory in the Super Regionals. In that contest he struck out 10.

The LSU football program received three commitments over the weekend from players who were attending the Tigers offensive line and defensive lines camp. Two of the verbal pledges came from the same school, Ferriday High School, four-star defensive tackle Dare Rosenthal and his teammate, defensive end-slash-tight end Dantrieze Scott. Also committing to the Tigers over the weekend was Teurlings Catholic offensive tackle Thomas Perry. Perry is heading into his junior season, so he’s a commitment for the Class of 2019.

And UL Lafayette has received a commitment from Percy Butler, a defensive back and wide receiver from Plaquemine High School.

Former West Monroe star Jacob Pearson has been named Mr. Baseball in the state for 2017. Pearson was just drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Angels. He hit .519 this past season with 12 home runs.

North DeSoto’s E-C Delafield was named Miss Softball for 2017. Delafield was 23-3 this past and also hit .519 with 49 RBIs and seven home runs. Delafield is heading to Northwestern State.

06:45 Sportscast, June 19th, 2017

Louisiana Radio Network Sports, I’m Michelle Southern. Here’s your College World Series update, brought to you by Assurance Financial, your Local Home Loan Experts. Lend the way dot com.

Something has to give in tonight’s College World Series winner’s bracket matchup between LSU and Oregon State. The Tigers have won 17 in a row, while the Beavers have won 22 straight. Oregon State is an impressive 55-4 on the season, but Coach Paul Mainieri says they can be defeated:
Cut 16 (09) “have a chance”

While the Beavers have an impressive win-loss record, their strength of schedule ranks 81st in the country according to warrenolan.com.

Plus their best pitcher is not at the College World Series. Luke Heimlich made the decision not to travel to Omaha, after it was revealed he’s a registered sex offender. OSU will send sophomore right-hander Bryce Fehmel to the hill. LSU will start freshman right-hander Eric Walker, who is 8-1 with a 3.46 ERA. First pitch is set for 6pm.

LSU Junior outfielder Greg Deichmann has been named a first-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, D1 Baseball.com and Perfect Game/Rawlings.

LSU Junior pitcher Alex Lange has been voted a second-team All-American by the ABCA, and D1 Baseball.com, and Tigers senior shortstop Kramer Robertson has received honorable mention All-America recognition from Perfect Game/Rawlings.

Ragin’ Cajuns baseball juniors Gunner Leger and Wyatt Marks were named to the 2017 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I All-America teams, the American Baseball Coaches Association announced on this weekend.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead is expected to miss four to six months due to shoulder surgery. The report said the procedure is scheduled for today and will repair a torn labrum.

North DeSoto’s Emma Callie Delafield has earned the Louisiana Sports Writers Association’s Miss Softball award.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 16th

LSU begins play in the College World Series on Saturday night when they face Florida State. Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s asked his players to enjoy the experience…
cut 30 (30) “…find magic”
Mainieri says the plan is for freshman Eric Walker to start Game two. But he says that plan is up in the air, because Walker felt sore after throwing in a simulated game earlier this week.

Cal-State Fullerton and top-seeded Oregon State are the other two teams in LSU’s bracket. But the Beavers best pitcher Luke Heimlich will not pitch in the C-W-S. It was recently learned that Heimlich pleaded guility as a teenager to molesting a six-year-old girl. Collegiate Baseball News Publisher Lou Pavlovich says it’s a big blow to Oregon State’s chances of winning a third national title…
cut 18 (18) “…that tournament”

There are multiple reports that say Saints left tackle Terron Armstead will miss the next four to six months after tearing his labrum in his shoulder during practice on Wednesday.

And LSU reportedly blocked tackle Willie Allen from transferring to TCU. The Advocate reports a member of TCU’s staff convincted Allen to transfer to the Horned Frogs.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Alex Lange will start on the mound for the Tigers tomorrow night against the Seminoles in the opening round of the College World Series. Out of the eight teams in the C-W-S, Florida State has scored the most runs with 488. Collegiate Baseball News Publisher Lou Pavlovich says Lange will face a line-up that will be patient at the plate…
cut 17 (19) “…the country”
Florida State’s starting pitcher for Saturday is Tyler Holton. The sophomore left-hander is 10-2 with a 2.25 ERA. He has 139 strikeouts in 112 innings.

The first game of the C-W-S will take place at 2 PM on Saturday as Oregon State will face Cal State Fullerton.

UL Lafayette relief pitcher Wyatt Marks has decided to enter his college career and begin playing professional baseball. Marks was selected in the 13th round by the Oakland As after leading the nation in both strikeouts per nine innings and hits allowed per nine innings.

Former Teurlings Catholic star Hayden Cantrelle was selected in the 40th round by the Yankees. But the shortstop will likely play for the Ragin Cajuns next season.

ULM basketball announces that Daishon Smith has transferred into the Warhawk program from Wichita State. Last season, Smith averaged nearly five points a game for the Shockers. The six-foot-one guard will have to sit out next season, because of NCAA transfer rules.

The Saints have signed veteran free agent defensive tackle Tony McDaniel after concluding their three day mini camp in Metairie. It speaks to the precaution the team is taking in case Nick Fairley can’t play this season due to a heart condition. Coach Sean Payton said Thursday there is nothing new to report on the Fairley situation.

06:45 Sportscast, June 16th, 2017

LSU faces Florida State tomorrow night in the opening round of the College World Series. Both teams are red hot, as the Seminoles have won 12 of their last 13, while LSU has won 16 straight. Publisher of Collegiate Baseball News Lou Pavlovich (Pav-low-vich) says just like LSU, Florida State went through a rough patch during the regular season…:
Cut 16 (18) “first round matchup”
Cal-State Fullerton and top-seeded Oregon State are the other two teams in LSU’s bracket.

LSU was represented with hats on the field last night at the Congressional Baseball game to honor injured House Majority Whip Steve Scalise who was shot during practice on Wednesday. The school sent gear to members in the game, but a private company didn’t get the purple and gold shirts there in time. Democrats defeated Republicans, 11-2.

The Saints have signed veteran free agent defensive tackle Tony McDaniel after concluding their three day mini camp in Metairie. It speaks to the precaution the team is taking in case Nick Fairley can’t play this season due to a heart condition. Coach Sean Payton said Thursday there is nothing new to report on the Fairley situation.

It’s going to be a busy red snapper season for Louisiana anglers thanks to an agreement with the federal government. Starting today through September 4th, Gulf States will get 39 days to fish for red snapper in federal waters on weekends. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves:
Cut 7 (10) “fishing”
He says after this season, the red snapper population will be reevaluated to see if a fall season can open.

Independence Bowl officials announce legendary Florida and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier will be the featured speaker at the I-Bowl Foundation Kickoff Luncheon.

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 15th

The LSU Baseball team arrived in Omaha today ahead of College World Series play that begins against Florida State on Saturday night. Pitcher Alex Lange says everyone is excited about the opportunity to win the school’s seventh national championship…
cut 19 (15) “…fun starts”
Head Coach Paul Mainieri says they will take it one game at a time:
Cut 4 (09) “next one”
And speaking of the first game, Mainieri would not say who would start at first base. Freshman Jake Slaughter has started the last four games at first, after junior Nick Coomes went down with a thumb injury. First pitch on Saturday is just after 7 PM.

Tonight it’s the Congressional Baseball game and everyone in attendance will have Louisiana Congressman and U.S. House majority whip Steve Scalise in their thoughts. Scalise reportedly had a third surgery today since he was shot in the hip while at a ball field practicing for the game. LSU sent shirts and baseball hats for the players to wear to honor Scalise.

Saints minicamp ended today. Kenny Vaccaro told reporters that he wants to be one of the elite safeties in the league. Coach Sean Payon says he likes that Vaccaro is thinking that way…
cut 30 (18) “…later in the year”
The Saints have signed veteran defensive tackle Tony McDaniel. The 32-year-old has played 11 seasons in the league and will provide some insurance, if Nick Fairley can’t return because of a heart condition.

11:40 LRN Sportscast June 15th

The LSU Tigers arrive at the College World Series today looking for their first national championship since 2009. Coach Paul Mainieri has told his players it’s been a great season regardless of what happens in Omaha…
cut 5 (12) “….that way”
LSU pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Flordia State on Saturday night. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round earlier this week. But Lange is not worried about his pro career…
Cut 18 (08) “Omaha now”
Florida State has never won a national championship despite making 15 previous appearances in the C-W-S under their long time head coach Mike Martin. The Seminoles have won 12 of their 13 games.

The Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team had four players selected on the final day of the 2017 MLB Draft on Wednesday. Junior left-hander Gunner Leger was picked by the Miami Marlins, but he’s decided to return for his senior season.

LSU junior right-handers Hunter Kiel and Doug Norman were selected in the MLB draft Wednesday. Kiel by the Chicago White Sox, Norman was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds.

Former ULM baseball player Nathan Reynolds was selected by Arizona in the MLB draft.

The Diamondbacks also selected Nicholls State University pitcher Cole Stapler Wednesday.

Louisiana Tech left fielder Raphael Gladu was taken by the New York Mets, and the Colorado Rockies drafted Nate Harris.

It’s the final day of the Saints mini-camp. Starting center Max Unger is in a walking boot after undergoing surgery. Unger hopes to be ready for the regular season opener. Wide receiver Willie Snead hopes to sign a long term deal before the season starts. Defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was brought in for a tryout as the Saints are not sure about the future of Nick Fairley. McDaniel is 32 year and has played 11 seasons in the NFL.