“LSU Baseball Clinches No. 3 Seed and Double Bye in SEC Tournament—Tigers Surge Into Hoover with Momentum”

As the regular season comes to a thrilling close, LSU Baseball is peaking at exactly the right time. After weathering early-season adversity and an ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference slate, the Tigers have roared into form, securing the No. 3 seed and a coveted double bye in the 2025 SEC Tournament.

This surge in performance not only earns LSU a prime postseason position but also signals to the rest of the conference — and the nation — that the Tigers are ready for a deep run. Hoover has often served as the launching pad for College World Series contenders, and with the way this LSU team is trending, there’s reason to believe history could repeat itself.

A season that began with lofty expectations found LSU in a midseason fog. Sitting just above .500 in SEC play in early April, questions began to surface about the team’s consistency, pitching depth, and ability to close out tough series.

Fast forward to the final weeks of the regular season, and those questions have been emphatically answered.

The Tigers closed the regular season on a 12-3 tear, highlighted by impressive series victories over then-No. 5 Texas A&M and a sweep of rival Ole Miss in Oxford. The late-season push catapulted LSU up the conference standings, finishing with a 17-13 SEC record, good for sole possession of third place behind Kentucky and Arkansas.

“We’ve been talking all season about getting hot at the right time,” LSU head coach Jay Johnson said after Saturday’s season finale. “I couldn’t be prouder of how our guys responded down the stretch. We’re playing with confidence, energy, and purpose — and those three things go a long way in May.”

With the No. 3 seed secured, LSU will not play until Wednesday, May 22, skipping the opening round entirely. The double bye is one of the most valuable rewards in the grueling SEC Tournament structure, allowing the Tigers to preserve their bullpen and set their rotation for maximum effectiveness.

In a tournament where depth is tested, rest is gold.

“Getting the double bye is huge,” said junior closer Gavin Guidry, who has emerged as a shutdown option late in games. “We’ve been grinding all year, and to have that extra day to recover, plan, and get our minds right — that’s a game-changer.”

It also gives LSU more time to scout opponents and tailor strategies. In the SEC, matchups can be razor-thin, and the smallest advantage often swings the outcome.

Much of LSU’s late-season charge has been fueled by elite individual performances. None more so than Tommy White, the junior slugger who leads the team with 21 home runs and a .327 batting average. His clutch hits, including a walk-off homer against Mississippi State, have defined LSU’s resilience.

But White is far from alone. Sophomore outfielder Paxton Kling has been a revelation in the leadoff spot, providing speed, on-base consistency, and defensive excellence. Meanwhile, freshman sensation Luke Holman has stepped into a weekend starter role and dazzled with a 2.71 ERA and 94 strikeouts.

“This team’s got firepower on both sides,” Johnson said. “We’ve got veteran leaders, young guys stepping up, and a group that truly believes it can beat anyone.”

While LSU’s bats often grab the headlines, it’s the pitching staff’s improvement that may hold the key to a postseason run.

After a rocky March that saw high ERAs and inconsistent bullpen outings, the Tigers have tightened the screws. Over the final four SEC series, LSU pitchers held opponents to just 3.1 runs per game, and the bullpen posted a collective ERA under 3.00.

Graduate transfer Gage Jump, finally healthy after an early-season injury, has given the rotation a significant boost. Alongside Holman and sophomore lefty Javen Coleman, the weekend trio has become one of the conference’s toughest.

“Everything starts on the mound,” Johnson emphasized. “If you can limit damage and throw strikes, you’re going to be in every game. Our guys are locked in right now.”

The SEC Tournament in Hoover is more than just a warmup for the NCAA Regionals. For LSU, it’s a proving ground — and a place full of special memories.

In 2023, the Tigers marched to the SEC championship game behind dominant performances from Paul Skenes and Dylan Crews. While that group eventually stormed to a national title, Hoover laid the foundation.

Veteran players haven’t forgotten the energy and pressure of playing under the bright lights at the Hoover Met.

“It’s a postseason atmosphere,” said senior infielder Jordan Thompson. “Crowds are loud, every pitch matters, and it gets you ready for what’s coming. We feed off that.”

LSU fans are also known to travel well, and Hoover has often felt like a second home. That support will be crucial as LSU looks to avoid early exits and position itself for a top-eight national seed.

By locking up the No. 3 seed in the SEC Tournament, LSU also boosts its NCAA Tournament resume. A strong showing in Hoover could lock in a regional host site at Alex Box Stadium — a massive advantage in the Road to Omaha.

Currently projected as a top-10 RPI team, the Tigers control their own destiny.

“Hosting at The Box would mean everything,” Kling said. “That’s the dream — packed house, our fans behind us, and a chance to take the next step. But we’ve got to earn it.”

A run to the SEC semifinals or finals would likely make that dream a reality. And with LSU’s depth, momentum, and postseason pedigree, few teams will want to see them on their side of the bracket.

While LSU awaits the outcome of the opening rounds, several potential opponents loom.

Depending on Tuesday’s results, the Tigers could open against South Carolina, Florida, or Alabama — three programs with postseason aspirations and enough talent to pull off upsets.

Florida, in particular, remains dangerous despite a middling SEC record. The Gators boast top-end talent and a power-packed lineup that can explode at any moment. Alabama, LSU’s permanent rival, would add intensity to the clash.

Regardless of who they face, the Tigers will be prepared.

“This time of year, there are no easy games,” Jay Johnson said. “That’s what makes this tournament special. Every team’s fighting for their season. But so are we.”

Since arriving in Baton Rouge, Johnson has brought a calm, methodical approach to postseason preparation. He doesn’t overhype moments. He focuses on process and execution. And he’s built a culture where players are empowered, not overwhelmed.

That formula paid off with a national championship in 2023. Now, with a new core and fresh faces, Johnson is once again leading a team with high expectations into the postseason fray.

“Coach always tells us, the best team doesn’t win — the team that plays the best wins,” Holman said. “That mindset keeps us grounded.”

A few players could tip the scales in Hoover:

• Brayden Jobert – The veteran DH has had a quiet year by his standards but showed signs of heating up with a three-hit, two-homer weekend to close the regular season. If he finds his groove, LSU’s lineup becomes terrifying.
• Nate Ackenhausen – The versatile lefty reliever can stretch multiple innings and neutralize left-handed bats. His effectiveness could be the difference in tight tournament games.
• Josh Pearson – As a late-inning pinch hitter or defensive sub, Pearson has made clutch plays. His experience and poise could prove vital in close contests.

There’s no denying it — LSU is entering the SEC Tournament with momentum, motivation, and maturity. A rollercoaster season has settled into a focused final act, and the Tigers have the pieces to win it all.

With the No. 3 seed, a double bye, and a roster peaking at the perfect moment, LSU is more than just a threat — they’re a favorite.

And while Omaha remains the ultimate destination, Hoover is the first hill to climb. If LSU’s recent play is any indication, the Tigers are ready to make that climb — and bring the noise while doing it.