College World Series Preview: LSU vs. TCU – THE REMATCH

Ah, the much-anticipated rematch.

Only difference is, this time — the loser goes HOME.

When the LSU Tigers face off against the TCU Horned Frogs tonight (8 p.m. EST, 7 p.m. NOLA time on ESPN), they will have one thing on their minds: Redemption.

Both teams squared off to start the College World Series on Sunday, and TCU came out with a convincing 10-3 victory. While the Tigers came out of the gate strong, a couple of errors from pitcher Jared Poche in the fourth inning got the ball rolling for the TCU offense, and they never looked back.

Jun 14, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; TCU Horned Frogs outfielder Cody Jones (1) slides into third base around LSU Tigers infielder Conner Hale (20) in the seventh inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. TCU defeated LSU 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Fortunately for the Tigers, TCU’s offense is not as prolific as a ten run performance may indicate. Vanderbilt silenced the hot bats of the Horned Frogs en route to a 1-0 victory on Tuesday.

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Barring any more defensive mishaps, the LSU pitching staff is more than capable of shutting their opponents down.

Keeping that offense at bay will be tasked to the LSU bullpen. A bit before tournament play began, coach Paul Mainieri decided to forgo the shaky three spot in the pitching rotation and instead lean on a committee of relievers to get them through the game.

The Horned Frogs have shown that they will hop all over any opportunity that comes there way, so the Tigers’ defense must stand resolute.

Jun 16, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; LSU Tigers pitcher Alex Lange (35) celebrates the win against the Cal State Fullerton Titans in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. LSU defeated Cal State Fullerton 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Against Cal-State Fullerton, LSU nearly threw away yet another chance at taking home a National Championship.

Freshman Tigers pitcher Alex Lange coughed up three early runs to the Titans. But instead of sulking at the deficit that faced them, the Tigers offense erupted for four runs in the third inning, rejuvenating both the players and the fans.

The Tigers were still alive.

After the shaky start, Lange allowed only three base runners throughout the remainder of his outing, leading LSU to a 5-3 victory and keeping their championship within reach.

The Tigers offense will need to put pressure on the Horned Frogs early and often.

While comebacks are certainly fun when they are executed, it is the last place a team wants to be with their tournament lives on the line.

If Alex Bregman can get a couple hits early, his teammates will likely follow suit and get their pitchers a lead to work with.

Jun 14, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; LSU Tigers infielder Alex Bregman (8) applies the tag to TCU Horned Frogs outfielder Dane Steinhagen (10) in the fourth inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Bregman, who was drafted second overall in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Houston Astros just last week, will likely bat leadoff again for the Tigers.

Tuesday’s game marked the first time this season that Bregman was at the top of the Tigers lineup, but he showed no signs of discomfort.

His four hits on Tuesday tied a career high, but another clutch performance from LSU’s best player is most definitely not out of the picture.

Bregman has an incredibly bright future ahead of him in the major leagues, but he is not done with the Bayou yet.

Leading LSU to its first National Championship since 2009 would make his transition to the professionals that much sweeter.

And given the recent resurgence of his fellow Tigers teammates, he just may be able to pull it off.

Tiger baseball fans are anticipating this one.

And although this may not be on par with classic sports rematches of the past like the great series of Muhammad Ali – Joe Frazier fights, it promises to be not any less compelling.

Winner remains alive, while the loser leaves Omaha — and goes HOME………………………

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