The Super Regional series between LSU and Rice will be the sixth time these two programs have met in post-season play, and the Owls usually get the better of the Tigers. Rice defeated LSU in NCAA regional play in 1995 and 2005, and the Owls swept a super regional series against the Tigers in 2002.
LSU's two wins against Rice in post-season play have come at the College World Series and the Tigers needed late inning magic to win both contests. In the first round of the 1997 College World Series, LSU scored three times in the 8th inning to beat Rice 5-4. Brandon Larson's 38th home run of the season was the difference. LSU also came from behind to beat the Owls in last year's College World Series. Blake Dean had the big hit in that one. Dean's three-run double in the 9th gave the Tigers a dramatic 6-5 win and sent the Owls home for the summer.
Here's five things you can expect this weekend:
1. Excellent Pitching: Its hard to imagine we'll see any high scoring games during this series. The starting pitchers on both teams, especially the top two are about as good as it gets. The Game 1 match-up between LSU's Anthony Ranaudo and Mike Ojala should be a dandy. Ranaudo was outstanding against Baylor last weekend, while Ojala has yet to suffer a loss in his college career and has a 1.73 ERA this season. The Game 2 match-up between Louis Coleman and Ryan Berry might even be better. Coleman has won 20 games in the last two years, while Berry is 7-1 with a 2.00 ERA this season.
2. Bullpens Could Be the Difference: LSU has a definite advantage in this category. Tigers closer Matty Ott has been sensational this season, and already owns the school's single saves record with 15 and counting. Veteran relievers Paul Bertuccini and Nolan Cain have pitched well as of late. Former position players Buzzy Haydel and Chad Jones are also doing a decent job. While Rice has excellent starting pitching, Coach Wayne Graham would be the first to admit he doesn't have great depth. Owls Closer Jordan Rogers is 8-3 with 7 saves, but his ERA is 4.42. Every Rice reliever has an ERA above 4.00.
3. Rice has a lefty in the wings: I already told you that Rice will start right-handers in the first two games of the series. That leaves freshman left-hander Taylor Wall the likely starter in Game 3. Wall has only allowed 12 hits and 5 runs in his last 4 starts. You've also probably seen the stat. Thirteen of LSU's 16 losses have come when a left-hander has started. The Tigers have faced some tough left-handers, but they've also faced some southpaws who didn't have great stats, and still kept LSU hitters off balance.
4. Blake and Schimpf need to swing it well: Coach Paul Mainieri will tell you that LSU is at its best when Blake Dean and Ryan Schimpf are swinging a hot bat. Schmpf is hitting .343 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in the postseason. Dean has been relatively quiet, hitting .300 with 1 home run and 6 RBIs.
5. LSU needs to hit in the clutch to win: The Tigers left 14 runners on base in Saturday's thrilling win over Baylor in ten innings last Saturday. If the Tigers leave 14 runners on base against Rice, they'll lose. LSU will need to take advantage of their opportunities, especially late in the game.
Predicition: LSU wins in three games and advances to the College World Series to play Virginia. That's right Rebel fans, I also like the Cavaliers to beat Ole Miss in the Super Regionals.
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