Tigers Sweep South Carolina to Stay Alive

The Tigers have a pulse. LSU (29-21, 9-15) got a desperately-needed sweep over lowly South Carolina (22-28, 7-17) to at least keep the Tigers’ postseason aspirations alive for another week. While LSU’s NCAA Tournament outlook is cloudy at best, one can’t help but think the future is bright thanks to some blossoming freshmen.

Saturday (Game 1): LSU 6, South Carolina 1 William Schmidt had arguably the best outing of his career in Game 1 of a Saturday doubleheader. Thanks to Casan Evans recovering from arm discomfort, Schmidt led off a series for the first time and pitched a brilliant six innings of one-run ball. Schmidt allowed just five hits over the course of six innings and, most importantly, only walked one batter against seven strikeouts.

“William did a great job today in controlling the count,” Johnson said. “When he got behind, he was able to come back, get some swings, and get some weak contact. ” LSU small-balled its way to the series opening win.

Of the eight hits produced by the offense, only one went for extra bases. Derek Curiel had a run-producing groundout in the first inning that tied the game 1-1, and Cade Arrambide drove in LSU’s sixth and final run off of a fielder’s choice. Grant Fontenot got LSU home, pitching the final three innings of game one and earning his third save of 2026 along the way.