Designated hitter Daniel Midyett knocks one over the fences during the series against LA Tech. Midyett is currently leading the team with two homeruns. The sophomore had one hit and scored one run the last time the Lions faced LSU.
SLU Public Info/ Randy Bergeron

The Lion’s baseball team will look to turn heads with a major upset when they travel 30 miles west to take on the No. 3 nationally-ranked LSU Tigers Thursday night. This will be the third time the two teams have met in over a year. 

Last year in the first meeting of the two in-state rivals, the Lions hosted LSU in a record-setting crowd at the Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field. The game was a closely-contested battle that remained tied for the majority of the ballgame; however, the Tigers proved too much for Southeastern as LSU pulled away to a 7-3 victory over the home team. 

Although only having one scheduled game with each other during the regular season last year, it would not be the last time the two teams met. After successful stints in the regular season by both teams, fate would have it that LSU and the Lions meet again in the NCAA Regionals. After trading leads several times, the Tigers emerged victorious once again. Despite the loss, it was the first appearance in a NCAA Regional for the Lions in two decades. 

Both teams have had their share of success this season. Going into tomorrow night, the Tigers boast a record 7-1. Southeastern opened up their season with a sweep of La Tech while over in Baton Rouge, LSU swept Kansas their opening weekend. The similarities do not end there. With the Tigers versus Nicholls State and the Lions taking on Tulane, both teams suffered their first loss of the season on the same night. 

The stories of both teams differ following that night. LSU has remained undefeated with a sweep of Boston College last weekend. Southeastern traveled to Arlington, Texas to participate in the UTSA Invitational. The Lions came away from the invitational with a win against Southland Conference foe Houston Baptist and losses to UT Arlington and Michigan State.

Now with a 5-3 record, the Lions look to bolster their resume with an upset win over the Tigers of LSU. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Skip Bertman Field at the Alex Box Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets at lsutix.net or watch the game on SEC Network+. For more news on Lion baseball, head to lionsports.net.