2018 Texas A&M Baseball: Previewing the LSU series

LSU Pitching

This LSU staff has a mix of youth and experience, much like the staff of the Aggies. Freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard has been sensational this season. Hilliard, from Central, Louisiana, is 6-1 on the season. Beginning the year, he was a reliever, but has proven too good to come out of the bullpen. The Aggies will have to get to him early and often, as few teams have been able to do. He has 37 K’s over 35 innings, and just 11 walks, so the challenge is definitely there.

Caleb Gilbert is a guy who isn’t going to pound the zone nearly as much as the other two starters. The downside for a guy who puts the ball in play is that some of those are going to squeak through and lead to hits. But, he has done a good job limiting the damage and absorbing innings. The second day starter could be a guy the Aggies can end up seeing success against.

Lastly, Zack Hess seems to be the Thursday starter for LSU. His ERA seems high, but he is capable of pounding the zone like none of the other Tiger pitchers can. This season, he has 55 strikeouts in 38 innings. He has also allowed a relatively low opposing batting average at .215. If the Aggies can pull a win away from Hess, the series is infinitely more winnable than having to win two straight.