BATON ROUGE — LSU (18-15-1) resumes its seven-game homestand Wednesday night when the Tigers play host to Mississippi Valley State (14-22) at 6:30 p.m. in Alex Box Stadium.
Tickets are available online at www.LSUsports.net or by contacting the LSU Athletics Ticket Office at 225.578.2184 or 800.960.8587. Tickets may also be purchased at the Alex Box Stadium box office beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday.
The LSU-MVSU game will be broadcast on the affiliates of the LSU Sports Radio Network (WDGL-FM 98.1 in Baton Rouge). The audio broadcast and streaming video are available in the Geaux Zone at www.LSUsports.net. Live stats are also available at www.LSUsports.net.
LSU defeated Auburn, 10-1, on Sunday to end a three-game losing streak. The Tigers return to SEC action at 7 p.m. Friday when they play host to No. 13 Ole Miss in Alex Box Stadium.
Mississippi Valley plays host to Delta State Tuesday night before traveling to Baton Rouge Wednesday. MVSU leads the Southwestern Athletic Conference Eastern Division with a 9-3 league mark. The Delta Devils return to SWAC action this weekend at Jackson State.
“I was encouraged by the way we played Sunday against Auburn,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “I thought we played with a lot of energy and we executed well. Our focus is now on Mississippi Valley because it’s important for us to play well every time we take the field. We have a very challenging week ahead with Mississippi Valley Wednesday and Ole Miss this weekend.”
Mainieri said freshman right-hander Matt Jackson will start Wednesday’s game on the mound for the Tigers. Jackson, who will be making his first career collegiate start, pitched very effectively in relief last Friday versus Auburn. The native of Haughton, La., fired four shutout innings against the Plainsmen and did not allow a hit during the outing.
LSU freshman designated hitter Blake Dean extended his hitting streak to 14 games Sunday in the Tigers’ win over Auburn. Dean, a native of Crestview, Fla., is batting .368 (21-for-57) during the streak with four doubles, seven RBI and eight runs.
In LSU’s four games last week, Dean hit .400 (6-for-15) with three doubles, three RBI and two runs. He is the Tigers’ leading hitter on the season, batting .331 (41-for-124) with nine doubles, two triples, two homers, 26 RBI and 18 runs.
LSU infielder Chris Jackson returned to the starting lineup Friday versus Auburn and enjoyed a very productive weekend series. Jackson, who had been out of the lineup since suffering a shoulder injury on March 10 versus Southern Mississippi, started at first base in Games 1 and 2 last weekend, and he started Game 3 at third base.
Jackson batted .357 (5-for-14) in the three games against Auburn with two doubles, one RBI and three runs scored. He collected a career-high four hits in Sunday’s 10-1 victory over the Plainsmen with one RBI and one run scored.
Wednesday’s game marks the first meeting between LSU and Mississippi Valley State. MVSU represents LSU’s third opponent from the SWAC. The Tigers hold a 40-2 series advantage over Southern University, and LSU has a 4-0 mark against Jackson State.
GAME FACTS
Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils (14-22 prior to Tuesday night game vs. Delta State) at LSU Fighting Tigers (18-15-1)
DATE/TIME
Wednesday, April 11 ? 6:30 p.m.
STADIUM
Alex Box Stadium (7,760) in Baton Rouge, La.
TICKETS
$8 adults, $5 children ages 3-12 — available at Alex Box Stadium two hours prior to first pitch; tickets may also be purchased and printed at www.LSUsports.net
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROMOTIONS
Tickets for all kids ages 12 and under are only $1; all kids may stand on the field with Mike the Tiger during the National Anthem
RADIO
LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates (WDGL-FM 98.1 in Baton Rouge)
INTERNET
Streaming video, audio broadcast and live stats in the Geaux Zone at www.LSUsports.net
TV
None
SERIES RECORD
First meeting
PITCHING MATCHUPS
LSU ? Fr. RHP Matt Jackson (0-0, 3.00 ERA, 18.0 IP, 6 BB, 9 SO)
MVSU ? TBA