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.

06:45 Sportscast, June 15th, 2017

The LSU Tigers leave for Omaha this morning. Senior shortstop Kramer Robertson is looking forward to his first C-W-S experience…:
Cut 17 (20) “all of it”
LSU pitcher Alex Lange will start versus Florida State on Saturday night.

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.

Saints wide receiver Willie Snead says he’s optimistic about the 2017 season following day 2 of Mini Camp. He told NewOrleansSaints.com they are going to step it up following the departure of Brandin Cooks, and has a great feeling about free agent receiver Ted Ginn Jr…:
CUT 25 (22) “can’t wait for the season”

For the first time in a decade, federal authorities and the five Gulf states agreed on Wednesday allow an extended red snapper season in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 14th

The LSU baseball team leaves tomorrow for Omaha. It’s no surprise that head coach Paul Mainieri has named Alex Lange his starting pitcher for the Tigers opening round game against Florida State on Saturday night. Lange is 9-5 with a 2.92 ERA. The All-American’s only other start in the College World Series was in 2015 and he tossed a complete game victory in an elimination-contest against Cal State Fullerton.

UL Lafayette’s ace pitcher, Gunner Leger, has announced he’s returning for his senior season. Even though the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year was selected in the 26th round by the Miami Marlins. Cajuns outfielder Steven Sensley was selected in the 12th round by the Yankees and the As picked pitcher Wyatt Marks in the 13th round.

Louisiana Tech left fielder Raphael Gladu was taken in the 16th round by the New York Mets. In the 21st round, the Colorado Rockies drafted Nate Harris, who was the Conference USA Pitcher of the Year.

There’s just one more day left in the Saints minicamp. There’s been a lot of focus on the running backs with future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson on the roster. Fans are also getting a chance to see third-round pick Alvin Kamara from Tennessee. Coach Sean Payton says he likes what he’s seen from Kamara….
cut 19 (17) “…good job”
In other Saints news…starting center Max Unger hopes to return in time for week one of the regular season after undergoing foot surgery. And wide receiver Willie Snead hopes to have a multi-year deal before the season starts.

And on Instagram, boxer Floyd Mayweather says he will fight M-M-A fighter Conor McGregor on August 26th in Las Vegas. Mayweather had retired with a record of 49-0. But both fighters could get a 100-million dollar pay day.

11:40 Sportscast, June 14th, 2017

LSU’s Alex Lange has been named the starting pitcher for the College World Series opener against Florida State. Lange is 9-5 with 2.92 ERA. In 2015, Lange struck out 10 in a complete game victory over Cal State Fullerton in the College World Series. But Coach Paul Mainieri would not say who would start on the mound for the Tigers second game, which would take place between either Cal State Fullerton and Oregon State.
If you’re going to the game, Visit Omaha spokesperson Tracie McPherson says a new activity to enjoy for visitors is the Baseball Hall of Fame at the CenturyLink Center.
Southeastern Louisiana University ace Mac Sceroler has told the Baton Rouge Advocate he plans to sign with Cincinnati after the Reds selected the Denham Springs native in the 5th round.

St. Amant pitcher Blayne Enlow will likely sign a two-million dollar signing bonus with the Minnesota Twins after being the first pick of the third round. The right-hander is an LSU signee and struck out 101 in 69.2 innings pitched.
It’s the second day of Saints minicamp. Recently signed running back Adrian Peterson has nearly 12-hundred rushing yards during his Hall of Fame career and he’s looking forward to playing with a Hall of Fame quarterback in Drew Brees this season….
cut 18 (21) “….is productive”
Peterson says he’s more than capable of catching passes out of the back field and doesn’t understand why he has a reputation that he can’t catch passes.
The SWAC announced Tuesday that it will end its annual football championship game following the 2017 season.
And former Grambling Star Doug Williams has been named a senior VP of player personnel with the Washington Redskins.

06:45 Sportscast, June 14th, 2017

Thirty-two-year-old running back Adrian Peterson says he’s ready to catch some balls in the Saints offense. Peterson picked up 241 passes during his 10 seasons in Minnesota and doesn’t know why people say he can’t be a pass catching running back…:
Cut 17 (23) “Brees is gonna do it”

Four more LSU players were taken in the MLB draft Tuesday. Pitcher Jared Poche was the 261st pick by the Oakland A’s. Second baseman Cole Freeman was selected 133rd in the fourth round by the Washington Nationals. Junior catcher Michael Papierski was picked by Houston, and shortstop Kramer Robertson by the Cardinals.

LSU right-hander Alex Lange will be starting on the mound for the Tigers in their CWS opener against Florida at 7pm Saturday. Though he was taken by the Chicago Cubs with the 30th pick of the draft, Lange says right now his sights are only on Omaha…:
CUT 26 (12) “up there”
LSU fans are packing today ahead of the big trip to cheer on the Tigers. Tracie McPherson with Visit Omaha says even though Louisiana is known for food, fans can get a taste of some world-renowned Omaha steaks…:
Cut 8 (08) “sandwich”

In the 5th round of the draft, Southeastern Louisiana pitcher Mac Sceroler was picked by the Cleveland Indians. In the third round, LSU signee and former West Monroe star Jacob Pearson was selected by the Angels.

The SWAC announced Tuesday that it will end its annual football championship game following the 2017 season.

 

16:45 LRN Sportscast June 13th

The LSU baseball team hits the practice field tonight for the first time since winning the Super Regional. The Tigers will bring a 48-17 record to the College World Series and they are five more victories away from a national championship. Coach Paul Mainieri says his team has been tested all year and they are ready for the challenge…
cut 18 (24) “…before”
LSU will play the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday night at 7 PM. It will be televised by ESPN. Win or lose, the Tigers will play on Monday against either top-seeded Oregon State or Cal State Fullerton.

LSU’s double play combination of Kramer Robertson and Cole Freeman were drafted in the fourth round of today’s Major League Baseball draft. The St. Louis Cardinals selected Robertson, while the Washington Nationals took Freeman.

In the 5th round, Southeastern Louisiana pitcher Mac Sceroler was drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Indians. In the third round, LSU signee and former West Monroe star Jacob Pearson was selected by the Angels.

At Saints minicamp, Head Coach Sean Payton said they are still waiting for that third opinion from a medical professional regarding defensive tackle Nick Fairley’s heart condition. Payton also said recently signed quarterback Ryan Nassib was someone they liked coming out of the 2013 draft from Syracuse.

The SWAC announced today that it will end its annual football championship game following the 2017 season. So the winner of the SWAC’s regular season title will go directly to the Celebration Bowl.

And former Grambling Star Doug Williams has been named a senior VP of player personnel with the Washington Redskins.

11:40 Sportscast, June 13th, 2017

The pairings and game times for the first two days of the College World Series have been announced. LSU will take on Florida in the second game in Omaha on Saturday at 7pm. Coach Paul Mainieri says it’s hard to get to the CWS, and it’s even harder to win the whole thing…:
Cut 17 (19) “as you can”
Top-seeded Oregon State and Cal State Fullerton are the other two teams on LSU’s side of the bracket.

Last night in the MLB daft, LSU junior pitcher Alex Lange was selected as the No. 30 overall pick by the Chicago Cubs. Outfielder Greg Deichmann was taken in the second round as the No. 43 overall pick by the Oakland A’s.

The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves a proposal to open the recreational red snapper fishing season in federal waters for the next 12 weekends as part of a compromise with the federal government and four other Gulf Coast states. Assistant Secretary for LDWF, Patrick Banks..:
Cut 13 (08) “located”
The order is pending approval and acceptance by the four other Gulf state’s fisheries directors and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Saints fans are getting their first taste of 2017 as minicamp is underway at the team’s practice facility in Metairie. The Black and Gold nation is eager to see the team put three straight seasons of 7-9 behind them. The practices are open to the public and continue tomorrow and Thursday morning, weather permitting.

According to sources, former LSU cornerback Savion Smith will transfer to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Smith stunned many around the LSU football program with news of his transfer two weeks ago.