The LSU baseball team heads to Knoxville today after sweeping a doublehader from Notre Dame yesterday. The Tigers won game one 1-0 as Jake Fraley hammered a home run in the 11th inning and LSU won the second game three to two as Bryce Jordan drove in two runs during a three-run seventh inning. The Bayou Bengals begin a three-game series at Tennessee on Friday.

Louisiana Tech completed a midweek sweep over Northwestern State by beating the Demons five to four in Ruston last night. Demons pitching walked four hitters as they could not hold on to a one-run lead in the ninth inning. It was the 800th win for the Bulldogs at the Lock Shack and this weekend they have a big series against Southern Miss in Hattiesburg.

McNeese State downed Baylor 12 to 7. Junior Will Fox had four hits on the night. Houston edged UL Lafayette three to two, Nicholls knocked off Alcorn six to 4 as Kyle Knauth homered for the Colonels and Tulane trounced Southern 14 to 2.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees’ agent Tom Condon told the “Rich Eisen Show” it’s unlikely New Orleans will redo the final year of the future hall of fame signal caller’s contract. Brees deal is a 30-million dollar hit to the salary cap this year. Condon says the Saints seem satisfied carrying that number right now.

According to a CBS-Sports-dot-com article, LSU running back Leonard Fournette is covered by two insurance policies, each worth 10-million dollars. One covers him if he suffers an injury that ends his career, the other policy covers him if he’s injured and it hurts his draft stock. It’s believed Fournette is one of the most heavily insured players in college sports history.

Tulane football coach Willie Fritz unveiled new Green Wave uniforms on his twitter account today. It looks like Tulane will wear several different color combinations this year, including baby blue tops.

The state baseball tournanment begins today in Sulphur with semifinal action.

LSU baseball pitchers allowed just two runs in a doubleheader on the road Wednesday as they swept the Fighting Irish, winning game one 1-0 in 11 innings and game two 3-2 in 7 innings. LSU improves its record 33-16, heading into an SEC series at Tennessee that starts Friday.

After trailing by one in the bottom half of the ninth over Northwestern State, Louisiana Tech ended up with the 5-4 victory over the Demons Wednesday night in Ruston. Tech has now won 6 in a row, Northwestern has lost three straight.

The 21st-ranked Ragin’ Cajuns baseball team saw its comeback bid come up short as UL-Lafayette fell 3-2 to Houston on Wednesday night.

The Nicholls State University baseball team fell into an early two-run hole against Alcorn State on Wednesday night, but the Colonels climbed their way back with four runs in the second inning and held on for a 6-4 victory.

The McNeese State baseball team got back on track Wednesday evening as the Cowboys churned out a 12-7 victory over Baylor to close out the mid-week portion of its schedule in Waco.

At the SEC softball tournament in Starkville Wednesday, No. 12 LSU picked up the 5-4 win over Texas A&M to advance to a Thursday contest against Kentucky today at 1:30. The Wildcats swept the Tigers during the regular season.

In the Sun Belt Tournament, ULM defeated Georgia Southern 2-1. UL-Lafayette will take on Georgia State this morning in Mobile.

It’s being reported that the Saints are not likely to alter the final year of quarterback Drew Brees’ 5 year, $100 million dollar contract. This would mean New Orleans carries over Brees’ $30 million dollar salary cap charge into 2016.

The state baseball tournament begins today in Sulphur as semi-final action takes place in Class C, Class B and in Four-A. In Four-A…it’s Teurlings Catholic versus district rival Breaux Bridge and the other semi has 3rd seeded West Ouachita taking on second-seeded St. Michael.

LSU and Notre Dame will play a doubleheader today starting at two PM after their baseball game was rained out last night. John Valek the Third will start on the mound for the Tigers, while Riley Smith will get his first career start in the second game.

McNeese State’s game against Baylor last night was cancelled because of severe weather in Waco. The game will not be made up, but the two teams will play today’s scheduled 4:05 contest. The Cowboys are 23-21 on the season.

Louisiana Tech blanked Northwestern State six to nothing for the Bulldogs fifth straight win. Braden Bristo evened his record at five and five by pitching five shutout innings to get the win. Taylor Love homered and drove in two runs.

Elsewhere…15th ranked Tulane topped UNO five to two as Hunter Hope hit an inside-the-park home run. And Jackson State scored nine runs in the 1st inning on its way to a 21-3 win over Southern.

In college baseball action tonight….outside of the LSU-Notre Dame doubleheader….Tulane hosts Southern, Nicholls State hosts Alcorn State. The Colonels have never lost to Alcorn in 24 previous contests. And the 21st Ragin Cajuns begin a five-game road trip at Houston. UL Lafayette is 6-and-6 in midweek games this year.

The Saints have signed second round pick Vonn Bell, who is a safety out of Ohio State. Bell is expected to receive a signing bonus around one-million dollars and his four-year contract is worth nearly four million dollars. The team’s only draft pick that has yet to sign is defensive tackle David Onyemata, who was selected in the fourth round.

Conference softball tournaments get underway today….LSU has won 12 of its last 13 games as it faces Texas A-and-M at 1:30 in Starkville. Louisiana Tech will play at 5 PM in the Conference USA Tournament. In the Sun Belt, top-seed UL Lafayette has a bye, while ULM battles Georgia Southern this morning.

The LSU baseball team begins a two-game series against Notre Dame tonight in South Bend, Indiana. Tigers senior left-hander John Valek gets the start. Valek was the Tigers Sunday starter for most of the season, but lost that role, because of poor production. The southpaw says he’s looking forward to another opportunity on the mound….
cut 19 (16) “….pitch again”
The trip to Notre Dame also marks a return to Paul Mainieris’ old stomping grounds. The current coach at LSU spent 12 seasons at Notre Dame and led the Fighting Irish to the College World Series in 2002.

In other baseball action tonight, McNeese State is at Baylor and Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State. The Demons had their eight-game winning streak snapped on Sunday.

Four former Louisiana Tech players have signed with NFL teams. Defensive back Adairius Barnes is on the Lions roster, Kentrell Brice inks a deal with Green Bay, defensive lineman Vontarrius Dora has a chance to make the Broncos and wide receiver Paul Turner will spend the offseason with the Eagles.

Austin Thomas is back as LSU’s director of player personnel. Thomas had that role at LSU for three years, but left in February for a similar job at USC. He’s returned to Baton Rouge and added the title of assistant athletic director.

Northwestern State basketball star Jalen West has received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA. West tore his ACL in the Demons’ season opener in November and he didn’t play his freshman season because of an NCAA Clearinghouse issue. West is an outstanding scorer and he led the nation in the 2014-15 season with nearly eight assists a game.

Northwestern State introduced Jordan Dupuy as its new women’s basketball coach today. Dupuy arrives in Natchitoches after serving as the associate head coach at Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles recently won at least 25 games in back-to-back seasons.

The Saints have signed three of their draftees to four-year contracts, including first round pick Sheldon Rankins. The defensive tackle is expected to receive a signing bonus that pays him around 7.5 million dollars a year.

In other NFL news, former LSU wide receiver Kadron Boone has signed with the Giants. Boone was out of football last season and by signing with the Giants, he’s reunited with his former LSU teammate Odell Beckham Junior.

Four former Louisiana Tech players have signed with NFL teams. Defensive back Adairius Barnes is on the Lions roster, Kentrell Brice inks a deal with Green Bay, defensive lineman Vontarrius Dora has a chance to make the Broncos and wide receiver Paul Turner will spend the offseason with the Eagles.

Austin Thomas is back as LSU’s director of player personnel. Thomas had that role at LSU for three years, but left in February for a similar job at USC. He’s returned to Baton Rouge and added the title of assistant athletic director.

The LSU baseball team begin a two-game series against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight. After tomorrow’s game, LSU will begin a three-game series against Tennessee on Friday. Coach Paul Mainieri believes his players will enjoy this five-game road trip…
cut 18 (12) “…these kids”
Senior left-hander John Valek will pitch tonight. Also tonight…McNeese is at Baylor, while Northwestern State hosts Louisiana Tech.

Northwestern State basketball star Jalen West has received a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA. West tore his ACL in the Demons’ season opener in November and he didn’t play his freshman season because of an NCAA Clearinghouse issue. West is an outstanding scorer and he led the nation in the 2014-15 season with nearly eight assists a game.

LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson is expected to play tonight against Notre Dame, despite a badly swollen upper lip and braces on his top teeth after getting hit with a baseball last weekend. Coach Paul Mainieri says Robertson is one tough cookie and a big reason why they’ve won 31 games this year…:
Cut 17 (20) right now”

LSU outfielder Brennan Breaux was named the SEC Co-Freshman of the Week by the league office. The Scott, Louisiana native batted 4-6 with one double, four RBI and a .714 on-base percentage in the three game series sweep last weekend over Arkansas. The Tigers moved to No. 21 in the Collegiate Baseball poll, and No. 11 in the Baseball America Top 25.

Back to college baseball, Louisiana Tech begins a five-game week with a midweek home-and-home series against Northwestern State, beginning today in Natchitoches. The two will play in Ruston tomorrow.

Following the Bulldogs’ second complete game shutout of the season, Casey Sutton was named the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Baseball Pitcher of the Week.

Also today, McNeese State travels to face Baylor. UNO is at Tulane.

In the Fox Sports “newest early” Top 25 college football poll, LSU is ranked No. 4, only trailing only Alabama, Florida State and Clemson. The Tigers opening opponent, The Wisconsin Badgers, are not ranked in the poll. The two teams will meet Saturday, Sept. 3, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

The New Orleans Saints announced Monday they’ve agreed to terms with three of their 2016 draft picks. First Round Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, second round wide receiver Michael Thomas and 7th round pick Daniel Lasco all signed four year deals.

New Orleans Pelicans star Anthony Davis was named Monday as a finalist for the NBA Cares Community Assist Award.

The Saints have signed first round pick, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. The Georgia native had 18 sacks during his career at Louisville. New Orleans also agreed to contract terms with second round draft pick, wide receiver Michael Thomas and seventh round pick, running back Daniel Lasco. All three draftees received four-year contracts. New Orleans also announced the release of former Mississippi State running back Vick Ballard.

LSU has announced that Austin Thomas has returned to the football staff as an assistant athletic director and director of player personnel. Thomas was hired by USC in February after spending the last three years as LSU’s Director of Player Personnel. Coach Les Miles says they are excited to have Thomas back on the staff.

And Northwestern State head men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy is excited to have Jalen West for another season. The NCAA has granted West a sixth year of eligibility after tearing his ACL in the season opener.

LSU shortstop Kramer Robertson left with the team today for its series at Notre Dame, despite a badly swollen upper lip and braces on his top teeth after getting hit with a baseball during the series against Arkansas. Coach Paul Mainieri admires the toughness of his starting shortstop…
cut 18 (17) “….the team”
The Tigers begin a two-game series against the Fighting Irish tomorrow night.

In other college baseball action tomorrow, McNeese state is Baylor for the start of a two-game series, while Louisiana Tech visits Northwestern State.

And Northwestern State will introduce a new women’s basketball coach tomorrow. His name is Jordan Dupuy and he’s served as the associate head coach at Southern Miss. Dupuy is also a Baton Rouge native.

The LSU Tigers completed a three-game sweep of the Arkansas Razorbacks by beating the Hogs 7-1 on Mother’s Day. Catcher Jordan Romero put the game out of reach with a three-run homer in the 5th inning. Romero’s team-leading eighth home run came on a 3-0 pitch….
cut 17 (18) “….off of it”
In the Baseball America poll, the Tigers are ranked 11th. Tulane is ranked 18th after sweeping South Florida.

Louisiana Tech swept a conference opponent for the first time since 2012. The Bulldogs blanked Middle Tennessee five to nothing yesterday as Casey Sutton tossed his second complete game shutout of the season. Tech is now 15-9 in the league, three games back of Southern Miss for first place. Those two teams meet in Hattiesburg this weekend.

UL Lafayette beat Appalachian State four to one yesterday and the Cajuns are three games back of South Alabama for first place in the Sun Belt. The Cajuns scored three runs in the eighth and Dylan Moore got his fifth win of the year as he pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

ULM is 9-15 in the league after knocking off Troy four to three yesterday. Warhawks starter Keegan Curtis earned his first win of the year after allowing just one earned run in six complete innings.

Southeastern Louisiana defeated Lamar two to one.

After couple of wild victories on Friday and Saturday night, LSU had a normal win on Sundayas they defeated Arkansas 7-1. After giving up nine runs on Saturday, the Tigers had a much better pitching performance on Sunday. Freshman Caleb Gilbert made his first start and pitched five scoreless innings. Coach Paul Mainieri was proud of Gilbert’s performance…:
Cut 16 (15) “the stretch”
Saturday’s game was interrupted for several minutes by a baby possum who wandered onto the field. That seemed to be the moment where things turned around for the Tigers and the phrase Rally Possum was donned by many LSU fans during Sunday’s contest.

The No. 19 UL-Lafayette baseball team defeated Appalachian State 4-1 on Sunday as the Cajuns claim their 7th straight series and 10th of the season. UL-Lafayette improved to 31-17 overall and 16-8 in the Sun Belt.

Back to college baseball, ULM picked up a close 4-3 win Sunday at Troy to claim the series. Anthony Herrera caught a game-ending pop fly.

McNeese State, who initially had a comfortable lead, saw their game slip away against Stephen F Austin Sunday 12-6 on the road. It’s the 7th loss in a row for the Cowboys.

For the first time since 2012, Louisiana Tech completed a series sweep over a conference opponent following a 5-0 shutout against Middle Tennessee Sunday in Ruston. The bulldogs are 31-14 overall.

In a key Southland series, Southeastern completed the sweep against Lamar after a 2-1 victory Sunday. The Lions are on a 7 game winning streak.

Tulane shutout South Florida 4-0. northwestern State was beat by Arkansas State 4-1. Nicholls state fell to Houston Baptist 7-3.

In the Kentucky Derby over the weekend, Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s horses, Mo Tom and Tom’s Ready, finished 8th and 12th at Churchill Downs.

17th ranked LSU defeated Arkansas five to four last night. The game was tied at two in the sixth, when LSU took advantage of some control problems by Arkansas pitchers to take a 5-4 lead. Hunter Newman preserved the win for his third save. Alex Lange improved to 6-3 by throwing 7.1 innings and giving up three runs.

The 25th ranked Ragin Cajuns blanked Appalachian State seven-zip. Gunner Leger, Evan Guillory and Will Bacon combined to strikeout a season-high 14 batters. Guillory posted 7 Ks in three innings.

Troy topped ULM five to three. Louisiana Tech rallied from an early 3-0 deficit to double up Middle Tennessee eight to four. Ralph Gladu homered and drove in three runs. 16th ranked Tulane trounced South Florida 9-4. Jake Willsey blasted two home runs.

In the SWAC….Arkansas Pine-Bluff over Grambling in 10 innings, 4-3 and Texas Southern edged Southern 8-6.

Southeastern Louisiana trailed 5-1 last night but erased the deficit with 8 runs in the 5th inning and went on to beat Lamar 14-6. The Lions are now 19-3 in the Southland. Right fielder Ryan Byers tripled and homered and drove in five runs on the night.

Northwestern State beat Arkansas State in non-conference action. Adam Oller was the winning pitcher as he did not allow a hit for 6.1 innings.

Elsewhere…Stephen F Austin defeated McNeese 8-2, Abilene Christian was a six to one winner over UNO and Houston Baptist knocked off Nicholls eight to three.

In Class Five-A Baseball playoff action last night. These are all results from game one of their best three series. Top-seeded Barbe blanked 24th seeded St. Amant three to nothing. 3rd seeded Airline doubled up 11th seeded Byrd 8-4, 4th seeded Catholic High defeated Jesuit in 10 innings 5-4 and 15th seeded Acadiana knocked off 26th seeded Ruston 8-5.