The top-seeded (No. 7 national seed) LSU Tigers open play in the 2012 NCAA Division I Baseball Championship on Friday with a match-up against the fourth-seeded Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks in Baton Rouge. With arguably the best pitcher in the nation in Colorado native Kevin Gausman, the Tigers are looking for their seventh national title in history and their first since 2009.
But on Friday, it will be freshman Aaron Nola taking the mound for the Tigers. This LSU team also features former Colorado Rockies draftees SS Austin Nola (2008, 48th round) and RHP Ryan Eades (2010, 19th round). Head over to LSU's official site for quotes and more on this game.
The Tigers won the SEC regular season championship earlier this year to enter the NCAA's with a 43-16 record, which makes UL-Monroe's 30-28 record pale in comparison. The Warhawks snagged the Sun Belt Conference title to earn a spot in the regional, which also includes the second-seeded Oregon State Beavers and the third-seeded Belmont Bruins.
The regional is double-elimination, so the Tigers should be prepared to play either the Beavers or Bruins later this weekend. Expectations should be high around Baton Rouge even after last year's disappointment.
Game Date & Time: Friday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. MT
Location: Alex Box Stadium, Baton Rouge, La.
TV/Radio: Cox Sports Television, Comcast Sports Southeast, WDGL 98.1 FM
For a complete 2012 NCAA Baseball Tournament bracket, click here.
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For a complete bracket, visit NCAA.com.