By Hunt Palmer
One last midweek game awaits in 2025. It’s LSU and Grambling from Alex Box Stadium.
Maybe.
The forecast for the entire state of Louisiana is poor for Tuesday, and Grambling is bussing down from north Louisiana. That means a call on the game will likely need to be made midmorning.
Truth be told, LSU does not need to play this game. Grambling’s RPI is No. 276 of 307, meaning all the visitors from the SWAC bring to town is potential trouble and a drag on LSU’s metrics like strength of schedule and Quadrant 4 games.
Plus, nothing Grmbling throws at LSU from a pitching perspective is going to get the Tigers ready for Arkansas in three days. We saw LSU’s offense erupt against Southeastern last week. That didn’t exactly carry over to the weekend. Conversely, LSU was drilled by Northwestern State two weeks ago and then turned around and took two of three from Tennessee.
If I’m reaching, and trust me, I am, potentially a SWAC champion could come to the Box for a regional, and seeing some of these 68 mph breaking balls and goofy arm slots could be of some benefit. Ultimately, that’s not worth the risk.
Best case scenario, the weather claims this one. If not, here’s a few things to look for.
SCHMIDT STRIKEOUTS
Most of the arms LSU has featured in the midweek pitched on Sunday. They didn’t throw a ton, but they were used in high leverage spots, so William Schmidt is very likely the starter. He racked up seven strikeouts last week against Southeastern.
His LSU career in still in its infancy, so every outing can be a building block for him. Schmidt’s stuff should overwhelm Grambling while he’s out there.
Keep the walk number down. Finish hitters with that big breaker.
RUN RULE
I was stunned to hear Jay Johnson say last week that he was glad to see LSU get off the field in seven innings. Usually, he wants more at bats and innings for his team. I guess as the calendar moves to May, he’ll take a little rest.
If the game is played, LSU needs to take control in the first few innings and end the game early. All eyes on Arkansas.
LINE EM UP
I know Johnson was looking for a bit of a spark for his scuffling offense, but I’d like to see things back to the way they had been at the top.
Derek Curiel is an awesome leadoff option. Jared Jones fits very nicely behind him. I love the idea that in the first inning a pitcher has to navigate a .500-plus on base hitter at the top and one of the nation’s best sluggers immediately to follow.
Some combination of Brown, Pearson, Dickinson, Hernandez and Frey can follow that. And leave Michael Braswell, Steven Milam and Chris Stanfield at the bottom of the order.
Buttons are tempting at this time of year, but it’s less about getting the perfect order lined up and more about LSU collectively hitting the ball harder.
Nothing you do against Grambling’s staff is going to carry over to facing Zach Root on Friday. Get guys back to the spots they’ve been in.
First pitch is set for 6:30. Baton Rouge listeners can find pregame at 6:00 on WDGL 98.1 FM.
