LSU Tigers Set for Crucial Showdown Against Oklahoma Sooners

NORMAN, Okla. — The No. 5 LSU Tigers, currently sporting a 27-3 overall record, will face No. 9 Oklahoma Sooners (23-5) this weekend in a highly anticipated three-game series at L. Dale Mitchell Park, starting Thursday at 6 p.m. CT.

LSU enters the matchups with momentum, having achieved its best record through 30 games since the 2013 season, when they began with a 28-2 record. Their 7-2 record in SEC play marks their strongest conference start since 2013, and the Tigers ride into Norman on a five-game winning streak.

Oklahoma, fresh from an 8-6 victory over Texas Tech, looks to recover from a challenging weekend series where they dropped two of three games at Alabama. Oklahoma currently holds a 5-4 SEC record but remains a formidable opponent with a solid overall performance this season.

The series will feature standout pitching from both teams, including LSU’s sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson (5-0, 3.52 ERA) and Oklahoma’s junior right-hander Kyson Witherspoon (5-1, 2.31 ERA). Coach Jay Johnson emphasized the challenge posed by the Sooners, mentioning their aggressive offensive style and the capability of Witherspoon, calling him ‘one of the best pitchers in the country.’

“Oklahoma is a very impressive team, obviously off to a very good start. They present a lot of problems on offense; they play a very aggressive style,” Johnson said. “We’re going to really have to handle the ball in the infield and from the mound.”

In this season of high stakes, LSU leads the all-time series against Oklahoma 9-5, with the last match ending in a nail-biting 11-inning win for the Tigers in 2022. Although the last encounter favored LSU, Oklahoma’s depth and skill, underscored by their top-10 national ranking, suggests a competitive series.

This weekend’s games will be broadcast on ESPN2 and SEC Network+, providing fans an opportunity to watch two capable teams clashing on the diamond. Game times are set for 6 p.m. Thursday, 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 2 p.m. Saturday, leading to an exciting weekend for college baseball.

In terms of batting statistics, LSU leads the SEC with a .337 batting average, ranking No. 1 nationally in doubles. Notably, first baseman Jared Jones boasts impressive stats, including being second in the SEC in total bases and hits. Similarly, Oklahoma’s lineup is no less formidable, leading the SEC in stolen bases and showcasing a powerful offense capable of striking at any moment.

The matchup also features promotional events including “Winning Every Inning” and a post-game fireworks show scheduled for Friday night, if weather permits, which adds an entertaining backdrop to the competitive nature of the games.

For fans attending in-person, the atmosphere at L. Dale Mitchell Park is expected to be electric as Oklahoma aims to establish itself further among the SEC heavyweights.