The LSU Tigers showed the best of what they can be Friday night against their biggest baseball rival. Paul Skenes struck out 13 in a complete-game seven-inning three-hitter and the Tigers belted four home runs, including a two-run shot by Tommy White in the seventh that ended the game on the 10-run mercy rule 12-1. LSU improved to 39-10 and 17-7 in SEC play, putting the Tigers a half-game back of Arkansas and a half-game ahead of Vanderbilt in the chase for the SEC regular-season title. It was the last regular-season home start for Skenes, sure to go with at least the No. 2 pick in this year's MLB draft. In my column I remind folks that they'll have just one or two more chances in the NCAA Tournament to watch him pitch at Alex Box Stadium, precious few chances to see perhaps the most dominant pitcher in LSU's proud history. Just up Nicholson Drive, day two of the SEC Track and Field Championships was going on at Bernie Moore Track Stadium. LSU hurdler Alia Armstrong was one of the stars as she set a collegiate record in the 100-meter hurdles. We've got more track and field news and notes for you, plus a photo gallery from Friday's action. The LSU gymnastics team is bringing in a pair of graduate student transfers from two other national powerhouse programs. Here's what you need to know about Florida's Savannah Schoenherr and Utah's Jillian Hoffman, who will have one season to compete for the Tigers in 2024. Former LSU forward LaDazhia Williams, one of the unsung heroes of the Tigers' NCAA championship-winning women's basketball team, got drafted and quickly cut by the WNBA's Indiana Fever. She quickly found a new professional team overseas, though. Find out where here. Former LSU guard Alexis Morris was picked and cut by the WNBA's Connecticut Sun. Why did her chances end so quickly? We have some theories. That's all for now, folks. LSU baseball is back in action at 6 p.m. Saturday against State. The game will only be available on SECNetwork+. Thanks for reading and have a great sports weekend. Scott Rabalais |