Texas A&M Baseball hosts the LSU Tigers

Amidst the Sweet 16 fever that permeates throughout Aggieland, the Aggie baseballers are welcoming the University of LSU Tigers to Olsen for a three game set. It's the Ags' SEC home opener and there's sure to be plenty of #fun to be had with our friends from The Boot.

Here are a few quick hitters to help you get acquainted with the Tigers:

• New year, new me! - Despite returning their top two starting pitchers from last year, the 2016 version of LSU looks quite different than last season. They have eight new starters in the lineup, and many of them are freshmen and JUCO transfers. They are also a bit smaller than they have been in years past, so they don't hit many home runs (just 13 on the year). That being said, they still like to steal bases, as they've swiped 38 bags in 50 attempts.
• Pitching woes - Coming into this season, the Tigers' pitching staff was supposed to be their biggest strength, but that hasn't yet come to fruition. They return Jared Poche' and Alex Lange, their two best starters from 2015, but they haven't pitched up to their reputation at this point in the season. Poche' is 2-2, with an ERA of 2.37, and Lange is 2-1, with a surprising 4.50 ERA. Their bullpen hasn't been much help, either, with a combined ERA of 4.26.

Obviously, this Tigers team is a bit different than the one that took two of three from the Ags last year in Baton Rouge in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup. But they can still hit, they still play sparkling defense and they're still ranked in the top 15.

Pitching Matchups

Thursday (6:00) - Jace Vines (3-0, 3.81) vs. Jared Poche' (2-2, 2.37)

Friday (8:00) - Tyler Ivey (2-0, 2.39) vs. Alex Lange (2-1, 4.50)

Saturday (2:00) - Kyle Simonds (4-0, 3.18) vs. John Valek III (4-0, 2.20)

How to Watch/Listen

TV: Games one and two will be featured on the SEC Network, with Saturday's contest available on SEC Network+

Radio: 1150 AM, 102.7 FM

Live Stats: 12thman.com

Other Audio: radioaggieland.com