Tigers Defeat UL-Lafayette, 17-4, in Midweek Matchup

In a dominating performance that highlighted their offensive power and pitching depth, the LSU Tigers defeated the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (UL-Lafayette) 17-4 in a midweek matchup at Alex Box Stadium. The game, which pitted two of Louisiana’s top baseball programs against each other, quickly turned into a showcase of LSU’s all-around dominance. With explosive bats, solid pitching, and stellar defense, the Tigers made a statement, continuing their push toward the top of the SEC standings.

From the very first pitch, LSU came out swinging, taking control of the game early and never letting up. The Tigers’ offensive onslaught was spearheaded by some of the most feared hitters in college baseball, while their pitching staff showed its depth and resilience. UL-Lafayette, despite a strong season thus far, had no answer to LSU’s well-rounded attack and was ultimately overwhelmed by the Tigers’ power on both sides of the ball.

In this detailed breakdown, we’ll look at the key moments of the game that helped propel LSU to a dominant 17-4 win, from the explosive offensive output to the solid pitching performance, and examine what this victory means for the Tigers as they continue to build momentum in the 2025 season.

The Offensive Onslaught: LSU’s Bats Explode Early and Often

Right from the start, LSU’s offense came out with a vengeance. In the first inning, the Tigers wasted no time establishing their dominance. After leadoff hitter Dylan Crews walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch, the Tigers began to string together a series of hits that would set the tone for the entire game. Tommy White, LSU’s star slugger, wasted no time in driving in Crews with a double to left-center field, putting the Tigers up 1-0 early.

What followed was a flurry of offensive fireworks. LSU’s hitters continued to apply pressure on the UL-Lafayette pitching staff, pounding out multiple hits and pushing across run after run. Cade Beloso added another RBI with a single, and the Tigers quickly found themselves with a commanding 3-0 lead. With their offense firing on all cylinders, LSU was in full control.

By the time the third inning rolled around, LSU had already built a commanding 7-1 lead. What made this offensive barrage even more impressive was the diversity of LSU’s attack. The Tigers were not relying on home runs or big swings alone; they were also executing small ball with timely singles, doubles, and well-placed ground balls. This balanced approach allowed them to consistently put runners on base and pressure the UL-Lafayette defense throughout the game.

Key Contributions from the Heart of the Lineup

As has been the case throughout the season, LSU’s heart of the lineup was responsible for much of the damage. Dylan Crews, the Tigers’ star outfielder, was instrumental in getting the offense rolling. His leadoff walk in the first inning set the stage for a big night. Crews went on to score three times and added a double and a single, showcasing his ability to get on base and ignite the offense. The junior’s consistency at the plate continues to make him one of the best all-around players in college baseball.

Tommy White, who has been a force in LSU’s lineup all season, continued his torrid pace, finishing the game with two hits, including a double, and three RBIs. White has been a key contributor to LSU’s offensive success, and his ability to drive in runs and hit for extra bases has been a constant throughout the season. In this game, he played an essential role in the Tigers’ big early lead and was one of the key players responsible for their eventual blowout win.

Cade Beloso, who has been a reliable bat in the middle of LSU’s order, also delivered in a big way. Beloso went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and his timely hitting kept the pressure on UL-Lafayette throughout the game. Beloso’s ability to move runners along and contribute with runners in scoring position is a testament to his consistency and his ability to deliver in clutch situations.

It wasn’t just the top of the order that contributed, though. LSU’s depth throughout the lineup was evident, with multiple players chipping in with big hits. Jordan Thompson, LSU’s shortstop, had a key three-run double that broke the game wide open in the middle innings, and even players further down in the order were able to contribute, ensuring that LSU never took its foot off the gas.

Explosive Power and Baserunning: Tigers Keep Raging Cajuns on Their Toes

Throughout the night, LSU exhibited its power at the plate with several extra-base hits, and it wasn’t just home runs that did the damage. The Tigers showed their ability to drive the ball into the gaps, and they took advantage of UL-Lafayette’s pitchers by finding the holes in the defense. LSU totaled 12 hits in the game, with five of them going for extra bases.

In addition to their hitting, LSU’s baserunning was another aspect of their offense that put pressure on the Cajuns. The Tigers were aggressive on the basepaths, taking extra bases when possible and forcing UL-Lafayette’s pitchers and fielders to make quick decisions. LSU stole several bases during the game, with Crews and Thompson being particularly effective at swiping bags. The combination of explosive power and smart baserunning made LSU’s offense virtually unstoppable in this game.

Pitching: Tigers’ Staff Shuts Down UL-Lafayette’s Offense

While LSU’s offense stole the show, the pitching staff was just as dominant. LSU started the game with a solid performance from its starting pitcher, who worked through the first four innings with minimal difficulty. The Tigers’ starter was efficient, mixing speeds and keeping UL-Lafayette’s hitters off-balance. Despite giving up an early run in the second inning, he was able to settle down and avoid any significant damage, allowing LSU to maintain a comfortable lead.

The Tigers’ pitcher worked quickly and kept his pitch count low, which allowed him to pitch into the fourth inning before handing the ball over to LSU’s bullpen. By this point, LSU’s offense had already built a 7-1 lead, giving their pitcher the luxury of working with a comfortable cushion.

Bullpen Depth: LSU’s Relievers Close Strong

When the bullpen came in to relieve the starter, the game was well in hand, but the Tigers’ relievers did not take their foot off the gas. LSU’s bullpen has been one of its strengths all season, and they continued to show why in this game. With a big lead, LSU’s relievers were able to work efficiently and keep the Ragin’ Cajuns at bay.

The bullpen did allow a few runs but was largely unhittable, giving up just three runs across the final five innings. LSU’s pitchers showed impressive control, issuing only two walks and striking out seven batters in those final innings. The ability of LSU’s bullpen to come in and execute under pressure ensured that UL-Lafayette never had a chance to mount a comeback, keeping the scoreline comfortably in LSU’s favor.

One reliever, in particular, impressed with his ability to get out of a jam in the sixth inning when UL-Lafayette threatened to close the gap. With two men on and only one out, the LSU pitcher dug deep and induced a double play to end the threat. This moment of resilience was a perfect example of how LSU’s pitching staff has been able to get crucial outs in tight situations all season long.

Defense: Solid Play Keeps UL-Lafayette Off the Board

While the offense and pitching were the primary stories of the game, LSU’s defense was also solid, contributing to the team’s overall dominance. The Tigers committed no errors in the field, and their defense was especially sharp when it came to turning double plays and making key stops.

LSU’s infield defense was particularly impressive. The middle infielders, Jordan Thompson and Gavin Dugas, turned a pair of smooth double plays that helped keep UL-Lafayette from generating any rallies. Thompson’s quick reactions and accurate throws were vital in keeping the game under control. In addition, LSU’s outfielders were solid, tracking down fly balls and keeping the bases clear of any extra-base hits.

Despite the lopsided scoreline, UL-Lafayette had its moments, but LSU’s defense was disciplined and efficient, never allowing the Cajuns to capitalize on mistakes.

Tigers Roll to 17-4 Victory in Midweek Matchup

With a dominant 17-4 victory over UL-Lafayette, LSU proved once again why they are among the top teams in the country. The Tigers’ offensive explosion, coupled with solid pitching and defense, was too much for the Ragin’ Cajuns to handle. LSU continues to show that they are a complete team capable of competing at the highest levels, and this midweek win only adds to their growing momentum as they push forward in the 2025 season.

The Tigers’ ability to put up runs in a variety of ways, combined with a pitching staff that can stifle opposing offenses, makes them a force to be reckoned with. As LSU prepares for the heart of the SEC schedule, this win serves as a reminder of their potential and the level of play they are capable of.

With players like Dylan Crews, Tommy White, and Cade Beloso leading the charge offensively and a pitching staff that can dominate, LSU has all the pieces in place for a strong run toward the postseason. The Tigers’ depth, talent, and consistency were on full display in this 17-4 win, and they will look to carry that momentum into their next series as they continue to build toward a national title run.