LSU loses to Little Rock, 10-4; Forces winner take all matchup Monday night

The Baton Rouge Regional had, until Sunday night, gone according to script. LSU, stacked with elite talent and playing in front of a home crowd, looked poised for a relatively smooth route into the Super Regionals. But that all came to a halt with a spirited, relentless performance by the Little Rock Trojans, who shocked the Tigers 10–4 and forced a deciding Game 7.

The loss wasn’t just unexpected — it exposed several vulnerabilities in the LSU lineup, particularly on the mound and in the field. Meanwhile, Little Rock, a team that wasn’t expected by many to contend with the Tigers’ power, played near-flawless baseball.

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### **Pitching Collapse and Missed Opportunities**

LSU entered Sunday with a 2–0 record in the regional and a well-rested bullpen. However, the starting pitching unraveled quickly. Right-hander Luke Holman, who has been a consistent force all year, gave up hard contact early, struggling to locate his fastball. Within the first three innings, Little Rock had put up a crooked number, setting the tone.

Relievers Griffin Herring and Thatcher Hurd were summoned earlier than expected but couldn’t stop the bleeding. The Trojans were simply dialed in — patient at the plate, aggressive on the basepaths, and timely with runners in scoring position.

On the offensive side, LSU loaded the bases twice but came away with only a single run. That inability to capitalize on prime scoring chances haunted the Tigers throughout the game. Several at-bats ended in shallow fly balls or strikeouts on high fastballs out of the zone, betraying a lack of discipline not typical of the Tigers’ lineup.

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### **Little Rock’s Moment in the Sun**

For Little Rock, Sunday’s victory was historic. Not only did they defeat a top-three national seed, but they did so in dominant fashion and in front of a raucous LSU crowd. Head coach Chris Curry called the win “a statement about who we are” in the post-game press conference.

Leading the charge was outfielder Ben Harmon, who went 3-for-4 with a double, a homer, and four RBIs. Infielder Kyle Burks also contributed with a two-run triple that broke the game open in the fifth inning. On the mound, senior starter Dylan Cano was masterful, scattering six hits over six innings and showing no signs of intimidation under the bright lights.

The Trojans also flashed the leather, turning two double plays and robbing LSU’s Tommy White of extra bases with a diving stop in the seventh inning.

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### **What LSU Must Do in Game 7**

With everything now riding on Monday night’s winner-take-all contest, LSU finds itself at a crossroads. A program of LSU’s stature expects Omaha or bust — anything less than a Super Regional appearance is considered a disappointment. And now, with their season on the brink, the Tigers must rediscover their form quickly.

#### **Pitching Strategy**

Coach Jay Johnson has yet to confirm his Game 7 starter, but the likely option is freshman lefty Cam Johnson or veteran reliever Blake Money on a short leash. Expect LSU to piece together a bullpen game, relying heavily on matchups. Thatcher Hurd, despite throwing Sunday, could be available for a short stint.

LSU’s biggest issue in Game 6 was failing to get ahead in counts. If they allow Little Rock hitters to see too many pitches again, the Trojans could continue to rack up damage in the middle innings.

#### **Offensive Adjustments**

LSU needs more from the middle of the order. Dylan Crews, Cade Beloso, and Tommy White must drive in runners early and often. In Sunday’s loss, they combined to go just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The Tigers might also benefit from a more aggressive baserunning approach. They were largely station-to-station in Game 6, whereas Little Rock successfully executed several hit-and-run plays and took extra bases at every opportunity.

#### **Mental Reset**

Coach Johnson will need to steady the team’s mindset. The pressure of a must-win game — especially after such a disappointing performance — can weigh heavily on college athletes. Johnson, known for his composure and methodical approach, emphasized postgame that the team needs to “flush it and move on.”

“We’ve got one game to decide it,” Johnson said. “That’s what makes postseason baseball what it is. Our guys know what’s at stake.”

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### **Fan Reaction and Program Implications**

The mood among LSU fans has shifted from celebratory to cautiously anxious. Social media buzzed with criticism of the pitching choices and missed scoring opportunities. Many pointed to the Tigers’ high national seed and home-field advantage as reasons this loss felt particularly bitter.

Beyond the immediate stakes, there’s the longer-term question of program direction. Johnson has done a remarkable job reloading the roster through both recruiting and the transfer portal. Still, a first-weekend exit would sting — especially after winning the 2023 national championship.

The game Monday night could go a long way in shaping how this season is remembered: as a transition year following a title, or a missed opportunity with a championship-caliber core.

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### **Spotlight Players to Watch in Game 7**

* **Tommy White (3B, LSU)** – “Tommy Tanks” has carried LSU through slumps before. If he can deliver a long ball or two early, the momentum may shift.

* **Ben Nippolt (2B, LSU)** – Known for clutch hits and plate discipline, Nippolt may be key in setting the table for the big bats behind him.

* **Dylan Cano (P, Little Rock)** – Having pitched Sunday, he’s unlikely to start again but could play a role if the game gets tight late.

* **Kyle Burks (INF, Little Rock)** – Burks’ bat has been red-hot all tournament. If he continues to produce, the Trojans may have another upset in them.

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### **A Defining Night Ahead**

Game 7 in Baton Rouge is now set to be one of the most dramatic showdowns of this year’s NCAA Baseball Tournament. For Little Rock, it’s a chance to etch their name into college baseball lore. For LSU, it’s about avoiding a legacy-defining upset and keeping alive their pursuit of another national championship.

Fans across the country will tune in, knowing that regional finals like these — where the unexpected becomes reality — are what make the Road to Omaha so unforgettable.

Win or lose, Monday night promises to be a high-octane, emotionally charged battle that will test the resolve, talent, and coaching acumen of both squads.

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**First pitch for the winner-take-all Game 7 is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.**

Stay tuned — history is waiting to be written.