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LSU baseball begins its 2026 SEC conference schedule this weekend, hitting the road for a three-game series vs. Vanderbilt.
The last week and change has been rough for the Tigers. LSU dropped four of five games before getting back in the win column vs. Creighton on Tuesday. Still, losing four of six isn't where LSU wants to be with SEC play firing up.
Jay Johnson's squad began the year ranked No. 2 in most polls. Now the Tigers are outside the top-10.
LSU's weekend rotation has been a bright spot. Even as the lineup struggles and LSU searches for pitching depth, the Tigers feel good about their three starting pitchers. That bodes well for LSU and is a reason for optimism as SEC play begins.
LSU is 13-5 on the year, but 0-1 in true road games. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt isn't too hot either. The Dores are 11-7 in 2026, but Tim Corbin's squad is 10-2 on its home field.
Here's what to watch for when the Tigers take on the Commodores this weekend.
LSU's starting rotation has been dynamite. The trio of Casan Evans, Cooper Moore, and William Schmidt appears to be one of the best in the SEC.
Casan Evans has settled into his starting role after an inconsistent start to the year. Evans began his start against Sacramento State with five perfect innings and his stuff looked as good as it ever has. Evans allowed two earned runs or less in his last three starts.
Moore, a transfer, is living up to his billing. With 31 strikeouts in 24 innings, Moore's arm looks better than it did at Kansas. We've seen transfer pitchers make serious jumps in Baton Rouge and Moore looks to be on that track.
LSU's Sunday starter, Schmidt, is enjoying a sophomore-year breakout. We knew Schmidt was one of LSU's most talented players, but the development has been stark. Schmidt has the stuff to be an All-SEC pitcher.
SophomoreRHP
William Schmidt
LSU Tigers · P
Height
6'4"
Weight
201
Bats
R
Throws
R
Class
SO
2026 Season
2.45
ERA
3-1
W-L
33
K
.177
BAA
Pitching Statistics
Stats via lsustats.com · Updated March 2026
LSU doesn't know what it's going to get from its lineup, and the Tigers can't be confident in the defense either. LSU's best path to winning this series is with dominant starting pitching that leans on strikeouts.
Don't be fooled by Vandy's 11-7 record -- the Commodores can still swing the bat. Vanderbilt ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 44 home runs. The team is batting .318 and the Dores have drawn over 100 walks.
This lineup is good enough to cause problems for the LSU pitching staff we just talked about. Given Vanderbilt's power, LSU has to avoid careless walks. The Tigers can give up a homer every now and then, but those homers add up if LSU issues free passes beforehand. Keep the home runs to solo shots and LSU should be in a good spot.
#26
JuniorCF / UTL
Braden Holcomb
Vanderbilt Commodores · Orlando, FL · Foundation Academy
Height
6'5"
Weight
245
Bats
R
Throws
R
Class
JR
2025–26 Season
.353
AVG
1.278
OPS
10
HR
31
RBI
Career Statistics
Stats via vucommodores.com · Updated March 2026
Vandy's top power threat is center fielder Braden Holcomb. He leads the Commodores with 10 HRs and a 1.278 OPS. Watch out for 3B Brodie Johnston, too. Johnston's 26 hits are more than any other Commodore. Johnston has walked 10 times and only struck out nine.
When LSU's lineup is on, the Tigers score a lot of runs. The problem? LSU can't find a way to consistently flip that switch. The Tigers rank near the bottom of the SEC in several key categories and the offense has plagued the Tigers throughout their recent rough stretch.
In LSU's two losses to Sacramento State, the Tigers were shut out through six innings in back-to-back games. The Tigers have scored four runs or fewer in six of their last eight games. That's not a recipe to win baseball games and LSU expects more from a roster this talented.
It starts at the top. LSU needs its stars to perform. Jake Brown is doing his job, already with nine home runs in 2026. He's the lone qualified LSU hitter batting over .400.
Derek Curiel has begun to heat up, too, giving LSU some extra pop at the top of the lineup.
But LSU needs guys like Steven Milam and Zach Yorke to find their groove. Both were expected to be key middle-of-the-order bats for LSU, but both are hitting below .300.
Brown and Curiel will continue to reach base, but it only matters if LSU supplies the pop to drive them in.
I think LSU gets the series win, taking two of three on the road. The Tigers have a lot of problems right now, but I think LSU's starting rotation is good enough to get the job done. Vanderbilt has problems of its own and LSU will find a way to capture momentum on the first weekend of SEC play.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball vs. Vanderbilt: Complete series preview, predictions
Continue reading...
The last week and change has been rough for the Tigers. LSU dropped four of five games before getting back in the win column vs. Creighton on Tuesday. Still, losing four of six isn't where LSU wants to be with SEC play firing up.
Jay Johnson's squad began the year ranked No. 2 in most polls. Now the Tigers are outside the top-10.
LSU's weekend rotation has been a bright spot. Even as the lineup struggles and LSU searches for pitching depth, the Tigers feel good about their three starting pitchers. That bodes well for LSU and is a reason for optimism as SEC play begins.
LSU is 13-5 on the year, but 0-1 in true road games. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt isn't too hot either. The Dores are 11-7 in 2026, but Tim Corbin's squad is 10-2 on its home field.
Here's what to watch for when the Tigers take on the Commodores this weekend.
Can LSU's starting pitching carry the Tigers?
LSU's starting rotation has been dynamite. The trio of Casan Evans, Cooper Moore, and William Schmidt appears to be one of the best in the SEC.
Casan Evans has settled into his starting role after an inconsistent start to the year. Evans began his start against Sacramento State with five perfect innings and his stuff looked as good as it ever has. Evans allowed two earned runs or less in his last three starts.
Moore, a transfer, is living up to his billing. With 31 strikeouts in 24 innings, Moore's arm looks better than it did at Kansas. We've seen transfer pitchers make serious jumps in Baton Rouge and Moore looks to be on that track.
LSU's Sunday starter, Schmidt, is enjoying a sophomore-year breakout. We knew Schmidt was one of LSU's most talented players, but the development has been stark. Schmidt has the stuff to be an All-SEC pitcher.
SophomoreRHP
William Schmidt
LSU Tigers · P
Height
6'4"
Weight
201
Bats
R
Throws
R
Class
SO
2026 Season
2.45
ERA
3-1
W-L
33
K
.177
BAA
Pitching Statistics
| Year | Team | W | L | ERA | APP | GS | IP | H | ER | BB | K | BAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | LSU | 7 | 0 | 4.73 | 17 | 6 | 32.1 | 28 | 17 | 22 | 41 | .226 |
| 2026 | LSU | 3 | 1 | 2.45 | 4 | 4 | 22.0 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 33 | .177 |
| Career | 10 | 1 | 3.81 | 21 | 10 | 54.1 | 42 | 23 | 26 | 74 | .207 |
LSU doesn't know what it's going to get from its lineup, and the Tigers can't be confident in the defense either. LSU's best path to winning this series is with dominant starting pitching that leans on strikeouts.
Vanderbilt can swing the bat
Don't be fooled by Vandy's 11-7 record -- the Commodores can still swing the bat. Vanderbilt ranks No. 2 in the SEC with 44 home runs. The team is batting .318 and the Dores have drawn over 100 walks.
This lineup is good enough to cause problems for the LSU pitching staff we just talked about. Given Vanderbilt's power, LSU has to avoid careless walks. The Tigers can give up a homer every now and then, but those homers add up if LSU issues free passes beforehand. Keep the home runs to solo shots and LSU should be in a good spot.
Brayden Holcomb Player Profile
#26
JuniorCF / UTL
Braden Holcomb
Vanderbilt Commodores · Orlando, FL · Foundation Academy
Height
6'5"
Weight
245
Bats
R
Throws
R
Class
JR
2025–26 Season
.353
AVG
1.278
OPS
10
HR
31
RBI
Career Statistics
| Year | Team | GP | AB | AVG | OPS | H | HR | RBI | R | BB | SLG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Vanderbilt | 35 | 103 | .252 | .811 | 26 | 5 | 17 | 24 | 15 | .466 |
| 2024-25 | Vanderbilt | 50 | 153 | .275 | .881 | 42 | 9 | 34 | 32 | 21 | .503 |
| 2025-26 | Vanderbilt | 18 | 68 | .353 | 1.278 | 24 | 10 | 31 | 20 | 10 | .853 |
| Career | 103 | 324 | .284 | .942 | 92 | 24 | 82 | 76 | 46 | .565 |
Vandy's top power threat is center fielder Braden Holcomb. He leads the Commodores with 10 HRs and a 1.278 OPS. Watch out for 3B Brodie Johnston, too. Johnston's 26 hits are more than any other Commodore. Johnston has walked 10 times and only struck out nine.
Can LSU's lineup find consistency?
When LSU's lineup is on, the Tigers score a lot of runs. The problem? LSU can't find a way to consistently flip that switch. The Tigers rank near the bottom of the SEC in several key categories and the offense has plagued the Tigers throughout their recent rough stretch.
In LSU's two losses to Sacramento State, the Tigers were shut out through six innings in back-to-back games. The Tigers have scored four runs or fewer in six of their last eight games. That's not a recipe to win baseball games and LSU expects more from a roster this talented.
It starts at the top. LSU needs its stars to perform. Jake Brown is doing his job, already with nine home runs in 2026. He's the lone qualified LSU hitter batting over .400.
Derek Curiel has begun to heat up, too, giving LSU some extra pop at the top of the lineup.
But LSU needs guys like Steven Milam and Zach Yorke to find their groove. Both were expected to be key middle-of-the-order bats for LSU, but both are hitting below .300.
Brown and Curiel will continue to reach base, but it only matters if LSU supplies the pop to drive them in.
LSU vs. Vanderbilt prediction
I think LSU gets the series win, taking two of three on the road. The Tigers have a lot of problems right now, but I think LSU's starting rotation is good enough to get the job done. Vanderbilt has problems of its own and LSU will find a way to capture momentum on the first weekend of SEC play.
LSU baseball schedule
LSU Baseball - February/March 2026 Schedule
Date | Opponent | Location | Time (CT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Feb 13 | vs. Milwaukee | Baton Rouge, La. | 2:00 PM |
| Sat, Feb 14 | vs. Milwaukee | Baton Rouge, La. | 1:00 PM |
| Sun, Feb 15 | vs. Milwaukee | Baton Rouge, La. | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Feb 16 | vs. Kent State | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:00 PM |
| Wed, Feb 18 | vs. Nicholls | Baton Rouge, La. | 1:00 PM |
| Fri, Feb 20 | vs. Indiana | Jacksonville, Fla. | 1:00 PM |
| Sat, Feb 21 | vs. Notre Dame | Jacksonville, Fla. | 11:00 AM |
| Sun, Feb 22 | vs. Central Florida | Jacksonville, Fla. | 2:00 PM |
| Tue, Feb 24 | vs. McNeese | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Fri, Feb 27 | vs. Dartmouth | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Sat, Feb 28 | vs. Northeastern | Baton Rouge, La. | 2:00 PM |
| Sun, Mar 1 | vs. Dartmouth | Baton Rouge, La. | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, Mar 2 | vs. Northeastern | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Wed, Mar 4 | at UL-Lafayette | Lafayette, La. | 6:00 PM |
| Fri, Mar 6 | vs. Sacramento State | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Sat, Mar 7 | vs. Sacramento State | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:00 PM |
| Sun, Mar 8 | vs. Sacramento State | Baton Rouge, La. | 1:00 PM |
| Tue, Mar 10 | vs. Creighton | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Fri, Mar 13 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. | 6:00 PM |
| Sat, Mar 14 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. | 7:00 PM |
| Sun, Mar 15 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn. | 3:00 PM |
| Tue, Mar 17 | vs. Grambling State | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Thu, Mar 19 | vs. Oklahoma | Baton Rouge, La. | 7:00 PM |
| Fri, Mar 20 | vs. Oklahoma | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Sat, Mar 21 | vs. Oklahoma | Baton Rouge, La. | 2:00 PM |
| Tue, Mar 24 | vs. Louisiana Tech | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Fri, Mar 27 | vs. Kentucky | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
| Sat, Mar 28 | vs. Kentucky | Baton Rouge, La. | 2:00 PM |
| Sun, Mar 29 | vs. Kentucky | Baton Rouge, La. | 12:00 PM |
| Tue, Mar 31 | vs. Southern | Baton Rouge, La. | 6:30 PM |
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball vs. Vanderbilt: Complete series preview, predictions
Continue reading...
