The LSU Tigers and the Sam Houston State Bearkats are two of the most formidable baseball teams in the NCAA. When these two teams meet on the diamond, it’s always an intense battle, with both sides fighting tooth and nail to come out on top. Let’s take a closer look at these two teams and their history of fierce competition.
LSU Tigers
The LSU Tigers are a baseball powerhouse, with a long history of success both in their conference and in the NCAA as a whole. The team has won six College World Series championships, tied for the second-most all-time, and has made 18 appearances in the tournament overall. The Tigers have also won 17 conference championships, including 12 SEC titles.
LSU’s success on the diamond is due in no small part to their outstanding coaching staff. Head coach Paul Mainieri has been at the helm since 2007 and has led the Tigers to two national championships. He is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college baseball and has won numerous Coach of the Year awards.
Sam Houston State Bearkats
The Sam Houston State Bearkats have also enjoyed a great deal of success on the baseball diamond. The team has made 13 appearances in the NCAA tournament, most recently in 2017, and has won seven conference championships. The Bearkats have also produced numerous MLB players, including Heath Hembree and Ryan O’Hearn.
Head coach Matt Deggs has been with the Bearkats since 2017 and has already established himself as one of the best coaches in the game. In his first season, he led the team to a school-record 44 wins and a trip to the NCAA tournament.
The Rivalry
LSU and Sam Houston State first met on the diamond in 1963, and the two teams have played each other 47 times since then. LSU holds the edge in the all-time series, with a record of 35-12. However, Sam Houston State has had some notable victories over the Tigers, including a stunning upset in the 2009 NCAA tournament.
The most recent meeting between these two teams was in 2019, when LSU won 7-4 in a hard-fought game. The Tigers are always a tough opponent, but the Bearkats have proven that they can hold their own against some of the best teams in the country.
Key Players to Watch
Both LSU and Sam Houston State have a number of talented players who could make a big impact in any given game. For LSU, the player to watch is undoubtedly shortstop Josh Smith. Smith is a phenomenal hitter and fielder who was named to the All-SEC First Team in 2019.
For Sam Houston State, the player to keep an eye on is outfielder Colton Cowser. Cowser was a freshman All-American in 2019 and has continued to impress in the 2020 season. He’s a strong hitter with excellent speed and range in the outfield.
Conclusion
When LSU and Sam Houston State meet on the baseball diamond, it’s always a thrilling matchup between two of the best teams in the NCAA. Both sides have a long history of success and are led by outstanding coaches and talented players. Whether you’re a fan of LSU, Sam Houston State, or just great baseball in general, this is a matchup you won’t want to miss.