On a day that featured the 2024 debut of Javen Coleman, the LSU Tigers made sure this day had more to do with hitting than a focus on pitching. Coleman picked up the win going 3 solid innings striking out 3 and allowing just 2 hits. “I’m very happy with Javen’s performance today,” Coach Jay Johnson said. “Over the last three weeks (in preseason scrimmages), he’s been solid, and today was another good step in the right direction. He’s going to be an important pitcher for what we’re trying to do this year.”
By the time Javen exited the ballgame the Tigers had already put 12 runs on the board thanks in part to 6 RBI by Brady Neal, 4 of which came on a Grand Slam in the 3rd. “I think Brady is one of the best players on our team,” Johnson said, “and I felt that way last year until he had an unfortunate injury. He’s healthy now, which is a good thing for us, and we’re excited about him going forward.” Neal’s performance earned him the game’s Magic Moment.
This record setting day for the Tigers (3-0) saw 8 different players collect multiple hits on the day and another 6 with 1 hit each. The Tigers offense was led by Neal but several players continued to light it up in the season’s first weekend like H8den Travinski’s 3-5 day (that actually lowered his batting average), Monster Milam responding well to the leadoff role going 4-6 with 3 RBI and Sulphur’s Jake Brown with a perfect 3-3 day.
Defensively, the Tiger catchers have been dominant, both at the plate and behind the Dish. The LSU backstops are a combined 13-22 from the plate with 12 RBI. But what really jumps out is the trio of Travinski, Milazzo, and Neal have gunned down an incredible 6 of 8 attempted base stealers.
While just opening weekend and only 3 games into the 56 game 2024 regular season, these Tigers are a lot of fun to watch. It’s going to be a great year and you can follow them all year long right here on 446sports.com.
WP – Javen Coleman (1-0)
LP – Andrew Jones (0-1)
LSU improved to 3-0 on the year, while VMI dropped to 1-3. The Tigers return to action at 2 p.m. CT Monday when they play host to Central Arkansas in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.
Check out the highlights here:
