The Baton Rouge Super Regional: Who Will LSU Baseball Play at Alex Box Stadium?

LSU Baseball is synonymous with success in college baseball. The Tigers are one of the most decorated programs in NCAA history, with seven national championships (most recently in 2023), numerous College World Series appearances, and a track record of developing MLB-caliber talent. Under head coach Jay Johnson, the program has seen a resurgence, combining aggressive recruiting with an analytical approach to hitting and pitching.

The 2025 squad is no exception. Blending experienced veterans with top-tier freshmen and transfer talent, the Tigers entered the postseason with high expectations. Their ability to power through the regional round—even after a surprise stumble to Little Rock—demonstrates both resilience and depth.

Johnson’s focus for the Super Regional will be shoring up defensive lapses and maintaining bullpen integrity. After the Little Rock scare, LSU will look to prove they’re not just Omaha-bound—they’re title contenders.

West Virginia Mountaineers: On the Rise

Unlike LSU’s decorated past, West Virginia is forging a new path in its baseball program’s history. While traditionally known for football and basketball, WVU Baseball has made significant strides under coach Randy Mazey, now in his final year before retirement. The Mountaineers’ grit and pitching depth helped them defeat higher-seeded teams like Kentucky and Clemson en route to this Super Regional.

Their underdog status could play in their favor. The Mountaineers have embraced the “why not us?” mentality and are riding momentum with a scrappy offense and a resilient pitching staff.

Their upcoming matchup with LSU represents a chance to not only reach the College World Series for the first time since 1955 but to announce themselves as a serious player on the national stage.

Tactical Breakdown: Key Matchups

Pitching Duel: Skenes vs. Carr

LSU’s Paul Skenes, who has been dominant all season with a 1.98 ERA and over 100 strikeouts, will likely draw the start in Game 1. His triple-digit fastball and excellent command make him a likely top-5 MLB draft pick and a postseason X-factor.

West Virginia’s Jake Carr may not have Skenes’ electric velocity, but he brings savvy, location, and experience. With a sub-3.00 ERA and an ability to induce ground balls, Carr will be asked to keep LSU’s power hitters in the yard.

Edge: LSU, but if Carr can get early outs and avoid the middle of the order, West Virginia can stay competitive.

Lineup Depth: Power vs. Pressure

LSU boasts one of the most explosive lineups in the country, led by Dylan Crews, Tommy White, and Brayden Jobert. Crews and White each have double-digit home runs this season and thrive in high-leverage moments.

West Virginia doesn’t rely on the long ball as heavily but thrives on contact, base-running, and timely hitting. Players like Ethan Hurd and Landon Wallace have stepped up in clutch situations, playing a brand of small ball that can frustrate even elite defenses.

The difference in offensive approach will be key. LSU’s big-inning potential can shift momentum instantly, while West Virginia will try to grind out at-bats, move runners, and capitalize on LSU’s occasional defensive inconsistency.

Intangibles: Coaching, Crowd, and Clutch Factor

Home-Field Advantage

Alex Box Stadium is a pressure cooker for opponents and a sanctuary for the Tigers. With 10,000+ fans packed in—often standing for entire innings—the atmosphere is electric. The crowd is loud, hostile to opposing teams, and fully behind their Tigers.

West Virginia has not faced an environment of this magnitude in 2025. How they handle the noise, momentum shifts, and pressure of each pitch will be a major storyline.

Coaching Chess Match

Jay Johnson’s postseason experience and roster management are major assets. He’s shown a willingness to make bold decisions, whether it’s pinch-hitting in early innings or turning to the bullpen sooner than expected.

Randy Mazey, coaching his final postseason before retirement, is a calm presence and a motivator. His Mountaineers have played like a reflection of his steady hand. Expect creative defensive shifts and strategic bunting to counter LSU’s power game.

X-Factors That Could Decide the Series

• Bullpen Usage: LSU has leaned heavily on starters like Skenes and Little, but Game 2 or 3 could test their relievers. Look for Gavin Guidry and Christian Little to play crucial roles late in games.
• West Virginia’s Leadoff Hitter: If the Mountaineers can get consistent production from the top of the lineup, especially Braden Barry, they can apply pressure early and set the tone.
• Defensive Efficiency: LSU has been prone to fielding miscues in key moments. Clean defense could be the difference in a close game.

College World Series Implications

The winner of the Baton Rouge Super Regional advances to Omaha, where national titles are won. For LSU, it would mark their second straight trip and 20th overall College World Series appearance—a sign that the program is firmly back among the elite.

For West Virginia, reaching Omaha would be historic and cement their transformation from a regional contender to a national threat. It would also provide a storybook send-off for Coach Mazey and energize Mountaineer baseball heading into a new coaching era.

Grit vs. GloryThis Super Regional matchup embodies the essence of college baseball: contrasting styles, passionate fanbases, and everything on the line. LSU, the juggernaut with a legacy to uphold, versus West Virginia, the scrappy upstart ready to make history.

Expect fireworks, dramatic moments, and unforgettable baseball in Baton Rouge. Whether it’s a two-game sweep or a nail-biting three-game war, the road to Omaha will not be easy—and that’s exactly how both teams want it.