Tigers Open SEC Series at Texas A&M on Friday Night
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The LSU Tigers baseball team is set for one of its biggest road tests of the season as they head to Blue Bell Park in College Station to open a crucial Southeastern Conference (SEC) series against the Texas A&M Aggies on Friday night. With both programs vying for postseason momentum and SEC supremacy, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action live on SEC Network+. The weekend matchup marks a pivotal turning point in the 2025 season for the Tigers, who enter the series looking to build on recent momentum and improve their standing in the loaded SEC West division.
LSU Finding Late-Season Rhythm
After an up-and-down start to the season, LSU appears to be hitting its stride at the right time. The Tigers come into College Station on the heels of an impressive home sweep of the Georgia Bulldogs, pushing their overall record to 29–14 and 12–9 in conference play. Ranked No. 11 nationally, the Tigers are trending upward thanks to timely hitting, improved pitching depth, and a strong team culture under head coach Jay Johnson.
“This team has learned how to fight,” Johnson said following last weekend’s sweep. “We’re not perfect, but we’re playing with purpose. That’s what you want in May.”
LSU’s offense is firing on all cylinders, led by junior outfielder Josh Pearson, who’s batting .338 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs. Pearson has been a consistent force atop the lineup, setting the tone for an aggressive and disciplined offense. Sophomore slugger Jared Jones has added firepower with 15 homers and 50 RBIs, while freshman standout Gavin Guidry is emerging as one of the best two-way players in the league.
Pitching Staff Making Strides
While the Tigers’ bats have provided fireworks, the turnaround in the pitching staff has been equally vital. LSU’s rotation has stabilized behind junior ace Thatcher Hurd, who has rediscovered his form after early-season struggles. Hurd owns a 3.48 ERA and 87 strikeouts across 72.1 innings and is expected to start Friday’s opener.
“He’s locked in,” pitching coach Wes Johnson said. “His fastball has life, his breaking stuff is sharp, and he’s attacking hitters.”
Supporting Hurd is left-hander Griffin Herring, who has been a revelation out of the bullpen, logging a 1.91 ERA and 7 saves in 23 appearances. Freshman right-hander Luke Holman has also emerged as a reliable weekend starter, giving the Tigers needed depth and versatility.
Texas A&M: A Dangerous Foe at Home
LSU will need every ounce of its recent form to take down a Texas A&M team that’s proven to be nearly unbeatable at home. The Aggies, ranked No. 4 in the country, enter the series at 34–9 (14–7 SEC) and boast one of the most complete rosters in college baseball.
Led by head coach Jim Schlossnagle, Texas A&M features a veteran lineup and one of the deepest pitching staffs in the SEC. Their offense is led by junior outfielder Jace LaViolette, a projected first-round MLB Draft pick who’s crushing .355 with 18 home runs and 54 RBIs. Infielder Gavin Grahovac adds speed and power, while senior catcher Jackson Appel has been instrumental behind the plate and in the middle of the order.
On the mound, Aggie ace Ryan Prager is enjoying a dominant season, posting an 8–1 record with a 2.19 ERA and 102 strikeouts. He’ll take the ball Friday night in a matchup that promises high drama and elite talent on both sides.
“Prager is one of the best in the country,” LSU’s Jay Johnson noted. “We know we’re going to have to earn everything this weekend.”
Historic Rivalry Heating Up
LSU and Texas A&M have developed one of the most competitive rivalries in SEC baseball since the Aggies joined the conference in 2012. The all-time series stands narrowly in LSU’s favor, with the Tigers holding a 35–28 edge. However, the Aggies have had the upper hand in recent years, winning the last two series between the teams.
Last season, Texas A&M stunned LSU with a series win at Alex Box Stadium, showcasing their knack for disrupting even the best teams with aggressive baserunning and solid defense. Now, with postseason seeding and pride on the line, the Tigers are eager for revenge.
“These are the series you dream about,” said LSU’s Tre’ Morgan. “Packed stadium, two top programs, everything on the line. This is what SEC baseball is all about.”
What’s at Stake
The implications of this series go beyond bragging rights. With the SEC Tournament looming and NCAA Regional hosting slots on the line, every win matters. For LSU, a series victory in College Station would be a statement to the rest of the country—and a résumé booster for postseason selection.
Currently projected as a No. 2 seed in most national brackets, LSU has the chance to jump into hosting contention with a strong finish. Meanwhile, Texas A&M is looking to solidify a national seed and ensure a home-field advantage through the Super Regionals.
“This weekend will shape the narrative,” said D1Baseball analyst Kendall Rogers. “Win this series, and you’re putting yourself in elite company.”
Key Matchups to Watch
Thatcher Hurd vs. Jace LaViolette
This pitcher-hitter duel could set the tone for the entire series. Hurd’s ability to keep the Aggies’ slugger in check will be crucial. LaViolette thrives on mistake pitches, particularly fastballs up in the zone—something Hurd must avoid.
Ryan Prager vs. LSU’s Lefties
Prager has been dominant, but LSU’s left-handed hitters—particularly Pearson and Morgan—have excelled against top arms. Their ability to see the ball well and work counts could disrupt Prager’s rhythm.
Bullpen Battle
Both teams possess elite closers and high-leverage arms, but late-inning execution could tip the series. LSU’s Herring and Aggie reliever Evan Aschenbeck (1.78 ERA, 9 saves) will play outsized roles.
Atmosphere: Blue Bell Park a Cauldron of Chaos
LSU is no stranger to big crowds and loud environments, but Blue Bell Park offers a unique challenge. Known for its passionate fanbase and infamous “Olsen Magic,” the stadium can swing momentum in an instant.
The Aggies have lost just twice at home this season, and their fans will be in full voice as they welcome one of their fiercest SEC rivals.
“It’s a war zone in there,” said former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes. “You have to stay locked in from pitch one.”
Jay Johnson has emphasized mental preparation all week, focusing on composure, communication, and clean execution.
“We have to block out the noise and focus on us,” he said. “The crowd can’t swing the bat or throw a pitch. That’s on us.”
X-Factor Players
Gavin Guidry, LSU
The freshman phenom has emerged as a two-way threat, providing solid infield defense and clutch hitting. If he can deliver in key moments—particularly with runners in scoring position—he could tilt the series in LSU’s favor.
Braden Montgomery, Texas A&M
A Stanford transfer, Montgomery has been a revelation for the Aggies, batting .326 with 13 homers. His presence in the heart of the order adds protection for LaViolette and constant pressure on opposing pitchers.
Series Schedule
- Friday, May 3 – 6:00 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)
- Saturday, May 4 – 2:00 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
- Sunday, May 5 – 1:00 p.m. CT (ESPN+)
All games will be broadcast on LSU Sports Radio Network and available on live stream platforms for those outside the region.
Fan Perspective: “We Travel, We Believe”
LSU fans are known for traveling well, and College Station expects to see a healthy contingent of purple and gold among the maroon and white. With postseason aspirations hanging in the balance, fans are treating the series like a regional preview.
“I’ve got my tickets, my jersey, and my gumbo packed,” said Baton Rouge native and LSU alum Chris LeBlanc. “Let’s go Tigers!”
Social media has also lit up with friendly banter between the fanbases, as traditions, tailgates, and team pride collide in one of the most anticipated weekends of SEC baseball.
The Road Ahead
Regardless of the outcome, LSU’s path doesn’t get easier. The Tigers close the regular season with a home series against Arkansas and a midweek clash with UL Lafayette—both critical tests before the SEC Tournament in Hoover.
For Jay Johnson and his squad, the focus remains simple: win the next pitch.
“There’s no secret formula,” Johnson said. “You show up, you compete, you fight for every inch. That’s what this program is built on.”
A Defining Weekend in College Baseball
The LSU vs. Texas A&M series is more than a weekend matchup—it’s a showcase of college baseball at its highest level. Two national contenders, passionate fanbases, elite talent, and postseason implications all collide in a three-game war that could define each team’s season.
For the Tigers, it’s a chance to prove they belong among the SEC’s elite once again. For the Aggies, it’s an opportunity to defend their home turf and stake their claim as the top dog in the West.
One thing is certain: baseball fans won’t want to miss a single pitch.
