LSU Scratches Schmidt, Wins SEC Tournament Opener
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HOOVER, Ala. — LSU scratched sophomore right-hander William Schmidt from Tuesday's SEC Tournament opener against Oklahoma because of back tightness, coach Jay Johnson told the SEC Network. The decision came minutes before first pitch in Hoover, and fifth-year senior right-hander Grant Fontenot started in Schmidt's place. Fontenot worked 2⅓ innings before redshirt junior right-hander Gavin Guidry entered the game. LSU did not use Schmidt last week against Florida, which had given him extra rest and would have allowed him to start the game. Schmidt carries a 4.22 ERA in 13 starts this season; in 64 innings he has 85 strikeouts and 31 walks. LSU entered the SEC Tournament as the No. 14 seed with a 29-27 overall record and a 9-21 mark in conference play. The Tigers came into Hoover needing to win five games in six days to reach the NCAA Tournament. Oklahoma was the No. 11 seed; the winner of Tuesday's game was set to face No. 6 Auburn on Wednesday night.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- LSU completed the regular season at 29-27 overall and 9-21 in the SEC.
- SEC Tournament bracket placed LSU as the No.14 seed facing No.11 Oklahoma in Hoover.
- Minutes before Tuesday's opener, Jay Johnson said Schmidt was scratched due to back tightness.
- Grant Fontenot started and lasted 2⅓ innings before relievers Gavin Guidry and Devin Sheerin finished.
- LSU won 6-2 and was set to play No.6 Auburn on Wednesday night.
Why This Matters to You
If you're a college baseball fan, this is a big deal. LSU's performance in the SEC Tournament could make or break their NCAA Tournament chances. Keep an eye on how the Tigers handle the pitching rotation without Schmidt.
The Bottom Line
LSU's win, despite Schmidt's absence, shows resilience. The team's ability to adjust and still come out on top is a testament to their grit. If you know a baseball fan who loves a good underdog story, this is worth forwarding.
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LSU's bullpen and coaching staff benefited by preserving William Schmidt's health while securing a tournament win that maintained the team's NCAA Tournament contention.
William Schmidt and LSU's starting rotation suffered a late-game disruption due to Schmidt's back tightness and his being scratched minutes before the opener.
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