Houston, Texas – LSU showcased an impressive performance on Friday night at Minute Maid Park, with junior right-hander Luke Holman leading the charge. Holman pitched 5.2 shutout innings, while first baseman Jared Jones contributed significantly with three RBIs, propelling the second-ranked Tigers to a 6-3 victory over No. 13 Texas in the Astros College Classic.
The win improved LSU’s record to 9-1 for the season, while Texas fell to 7-2 following the defeat. The Tigers are set to face UL Lafayette at 7 p.m. CT on Saturday at Minute Maid Park, with the game to be broadcasted on the LSU Sports Radio Network and streamed on Astros.com and various Houston Astros social media platforms.
LSU’s matchup against UL Lafayette will also be televised on Space City Home Network, available in the Astros’ five-state viewing area spanning Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The game will also be broadcasted on the MLB Network, with blackout restrictions in the Astros’ viewing region.
Head coach Jay Johnson commended his players for their continued improvement, emphasizing their solid performance in executing winning plays and at-bats during the match against Texas. Holman, who recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts in the game, showcased exceptional pitching skills, with Johnson praising his ability to outmaneuver opponents with various strategies.
Jones emerged as a standout player for LSU, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, two doubles, and a crucial three-run homer in the seventh inning. On the opposing side, Texas’s starting pitcher Lebarron Johnson struggled, ultimately taking the loss after giving up two runs on four hits in 3.0 innings.
The Tigers secured a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, further extending it to 6-0 in the seventh with a strong offensive showing that included homers from Tommy White and Jones. Although Texas managed to narrow the gap with runs in the seventh and ninth innings, LSU held their ground to secure the victory.
Looking ahead, Coach Johnson acknowledged that there is still much baseball to be played in the season, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement despite the team’s success. With another challenging matchup looming, LSU remains focused on maintaining their winning momentum and striving for further victories in the games to come.