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The Schedule Update: LSU Baseball at Auburn Tigers in Friday’s SEC Showdown
By [Your Name]
AUBURN, Ala. – As the 2025 college baseball season barrels toward its climactic postseason stretch, the SEC continues to deliver high-stakes matchups with playoff implications on the line. One such battle takes place this weekend at Plainsman Park as the Auburn Tigers welcome the LSU Tigers for a three-game series that begins Friday night under the lights.
Auburn (28-12, 11-7 SEC), currently ranked No. 8 in the latest D1Baseball Top 25, returns home after a tough road series split against Kentucky. Meanwhile, LSU (25-15, 9-9 SEC), the defending national champions, enters the series with momentum after winning back-to-back series against Texas A&M and Mississippi State.
This pivotal SEC West matchup is more than just another weekend series. For Auburn, it’s a chance to solidify its claim as a national contender and potentially climb into the top five rankings. For LSU, it’s a fight to stay above .500 in league play and keep its hosting hopes alive. With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on the Friday night showdown.
Friday Night Fireworks: The Starting Pitching Matchup
The series opener is expected to feature two of the best arms in the SEC.
Auburn is likely to send junior right-hander Grayson Taylor to the mound. The 6-foot-4 flamethrower has been dominant in 2025, boasting a 2.31 ERA with 84 strikeouts in 70 innings. Taylor has emerged as a true ace, and his ability to command both corners of the plate has frustrated some of the best hitters in the conference.
“He sets the tone for us every Friday night,” said Auburn head coach Butch Thompson. “He’s the kind of guy who gives you a chance to win against anyone.”
LSU counters with sophomore left-hander Camden Johnson, whose high-90s fastball and biting slider have made him a fan favorite in Baton Rouge. Johnson has struggled with command at times this year, but when he’s on, he’s as electric as they come. His season ERA sits at 3.89 with 76 strikeouts in 61 innings.
“Camden’s grown up a lot this season,” said LSU head coach Jay Johnson. “He’s learning how to be the guy, and that comes with challenges. But he’s got Friday night stuff.”
The contrasting styles—Taylor’s surgical precision vs. Johnson’s raw power—make this an intriguing matchup and a potential tone-setter for the series.
What’s at Stake: SEC West Implications and NCAA Seeding
Auburn enters the weekend two games behind Arkansas for the SEC West lead. With upcoming series against Ole Miss and Alabama, the Tigers know that winning this home series could position them for a division title run.
“We’ve got everything in front of us,” said Auburn shortstop Tyler Greene, who’s hitting .344 with 11 homers. “But it starts with LSU. We can’t afford to look past them.”
For LSU, it’s been a season of inconsistency. The Tigers started the year in the top five nationally but slipped after a rough March that included series losses to Florida and Vanderbilt. However, recent form suggests they’re turning the corner. A series win in Auburn would boost their RPI and make a compelling case for hosting a regional at Alex Box Stadium.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” said LSU outfielder Jordan Garrison, who’s batting .358 with 14 home runs. “But we’ve got to keep winning—especially against teams like Auburn.”
Players to Watch: Auburn
1. Tyler Greene, SS
Greene has been the heartbeat of the Auburn offense, showing pop at the plate and leadership in the field. He’s a projected first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft and has continued to rise with clutch performances.
2. Logan Miles, CF
The senior center fielder brings speed, defense, and timely hitting. With 22 stolen bases and a .408 on-base percentage, Miles sets the table for the rest of the lineup.
3. Jalen Whitmore, RP
Auburn’s bullpen ace, Whitmore has locked down the back end with a 1.42 ERA and 9 saves. If Auburn takes a lead into the eighth, expect to see Whitmore shut the door.
Players to Watch: LSU
1. Jordan Garrison, RF
Garrison is not only LSU’s top hitter but also one of the most feared sluggers in the country. He’ll be a major test for Auburn’s pitching staff all weekend long.
2. Cade Willis, 3B
Willis is hitting .315 with 12 home runs and brings leadership to a young LSU infield. He’s also one of the best defenders at his position in the league.
3. Mason Duke, RP
Duke has emerged as LSU’s go-to reliever in tight spots. His high-spin curveball has been nearly unhittable, and he leads the team in appearances with 21.
Intangibles: The Home Field Advantage
Plainsman Park has become one of the toughest venues in the SEC, and Auburn fans have shown up in droves this season. With student support swelling and the Tigers playing inspired ball at home, the atmosphere could be a difference-maker.
“We feed off that energy,” said Butch Thompson. “When this place gets going, it gives us that extra edge.”
LSU, however, is no stranger to hostile environments. The Tigers went into College Station and Gainesville earlier this year and came away with key wins. They’ll look to silence the crowd early with their bats.
Key Series Storylines
1. Can Auburn’s Rotation Stay Hot?
Auburn’s weekend rotation has been stellar in recent weeks, holding opponents to just seven earned runs over the last four SEC games. If Taylor and company can maintain that level, Auburn is in good shape.
2. Will LSU’s Bats Travel?
The Tigers are slugging .482 as a team and lead the SEC in home runs. However, they’ve been less explosive on the road. Friday’s game will be telling.
3. Bullpen Battles
Both teams rely heavily on their relief corps. With multiple close games expected, the late innings could determine the series. Auburn’s Jalen Whitmore and LSU’s Mason Duke could be the X-factors.
Series Schedule & Broadcast Info
- Friday, April 14 – 6:30 p.m. CT (SEC Network)
- Saturday, April 15 – 2:00 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)
- Sunday, April 16 – 1:00 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)
Tickets are available through the Auburn Athletics website and are expected to sell out by Friday afternoon.
The Verdict: What to Expect
This series has all the ingredients of a classic SEC showdown: elite talent, postseason stakes, and a rivalry that always delivers drama. Auburn enters as the favorite, playing at home with a top-10 ranking, but LSU’s recent form makes them a dangerous underdog.
If Grayson Taylor can set the tone Friday night and Auburn’s offense continues to produce with runners in scoring position, the Tigers from the Plains could take control of the series early.
On the flip side, if LSU’s sluggers like Jordan Garrison and Cade Willis can get to Taylor and quiet the Auburn crowd, it could swing the momentum in favor of the Bayou Bengals.
Expect tight games, big swings, and a weekend that could reshape the SEC standings.
Final Prediction: Auburn takes two of three in a tightly contested series, but LSU proves it’s not going away quietly. The Friday night opener sets the tone for what promises to be one of the best series of the SEC season.
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