The alarm clock buzzed at 5:30 AM, and Mike Tran knew he had exactly eight hours to finish his Friday work before rushing to Alex Box Stadium. As a season ticket holder for the past twelve years, he’d never missed an LSU baseball opener. Today felt different though—the defending national champions were back, and the energy around Baton Rouge was electric.
Mike wasn’t alone in his excitement. Across Louisiana, thousands of Tigers fans were making similar plans, checking work schedules, and coordinating carpools. Opening Day means something special in college baseball, especially when you’re coming off a championship season.
Tigers Ready to Defend Their Crown Against Milwaukee
Jay Johnson and the LSU Tigers return to action Friday afternoon for their Opening Day clash against the Milwaukee Panthers at Alex Box Stadium. The game represents more than just another win on the schedule—it kicks off the program’s ambitious quest for back-to-back National Championships.
The defending champions enter the season ranked No. 1 in multiple preseason polls, carrying the weight of expectations that come with wearing the crown. Johnson has made it clear that his team understands the target on their back.
“We have eight games in the first 10 days of the season. That’s a heavy lift, so we have to be smart about doing what we need to do to win the first game, and then put this whole picture together,” Johnson said this week.
The LSU baseball starting lineups will feature some familiar faces mixed with new talent as Johnson balances experience with fresh blood. Sophomore pitcher Casan Evans gets the nod as Friday’s starter, a significant vote of confidence from the coaching staff.
“Our goal is to win every single game that we can, and figure out our best team as we go. Our guys are ready to compete, they want to play an opponent. I think we would have a mutiny if I told them they had to scrimmage themselves again this weekend,” Johnson added with a laugh.
Game Details and Viewing Information
The three-game series between LSU and Milwaukee kicks off what promises to be an exciting 2025 season. Here’s everything you need to know about catching the action:
| Game | Date | Time | TV/Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Friday, February 14 | 2:00 PM CT | SEC Network+ |
| Game 2 | Saturday, February 15 | 1:00 PM CT | SEC Network+ |
| Game 3 | Sunday, February 16 | 1:00 PM CT | SEC Network+ |
All three games will be available on SEC Network+, requiring an ESPN+ subscription or cable login to access the streaming platform. The venue for all games is the iconic Alex Box Stadium, which will be buzzing with championship energy.
For LSU baseball starting lineups, expect some strategic decisions from Johnson as he evaluates his roster depth early in the season. The Tigers return several key contributors from last year’s championship team, but new faces will get opportunities to make their mark.
- Casan Evans confirmed as Friday’s starting pitcher
- Championship core players expected to anchor the lineup
- New transfers and freshmen competing for starting roles
- Johnson emphasizing depth with the demanding early schedule
Milwaukee comes into the series as clear underdogs, but they’ll be motivated to make a statement against the defending champions. The Panthers finished last season with a respectable record and return several experienced players who know this series represents a massive opportunity.
“Playing LSU on their home field right after they won it all? Our guys have been circling this date since the schedule came out,” said a Milwaukee assistant coach who requested anonymity. “We know what we’re walking into, but that’s why you play the games.”
What This Series Means for Both Programs
For LSU, these three games against Milwaukee serve as more than just season openers. They’re the first steps in what Johnson hopes will be another championship journey. The Tigers must prove they can handle the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunters.
The LSU baseball starting lineups will be scrutinized heavily by fans and media alike. Every batting order decision, every pitching change, and every defensive alignment will be analyzed for clues about how this team might stack up against last year’s championship squad.
Johnson understands the microscope his team will be under all season long. The veteran coach has been through championship runs before and knows the mental challenges that come with defending a title.
“You can’t win a championship in February, but you can certainly lose one,” Johnson noted during his preseason media availability. “Our focus is on getting better every single day and not getting caught up in what happened last year.”
Milwaukee, meanwhile, gets an incredible early-season test that could define their entire campaign. A strong showing against LSU would provide massive momentum and confidence for the Panthers’ conference schedule. Even competitive games against the Tigers would signal that Milwaukee is ready to take the next step as a program.
The Panthers’ coaching staff has been preparing for this moment all winter, knowing that facing the defending champions requires perfect preparation and execution. Their players understand the magnitude of the opportunity in front of them.
Beyond the immediate impact on both teams, this series will provide early insights into the competitive landscape of college baseball in 2025. LSU’s performance will be watched closely by other contenders trying to gauge how vulnerable the champions might be this season.
The Tigers’ depth will be tested immediately with that demanding eight-games-in-ten-days stretch Johnson mentioned. How well they manage workloads and maintain performance levels could indicate whether this team has the staying power for another championship run.
Weather permitting, all three games should proceed as scheduled at Alex Box Stadium. The forecast looks favorable for baseball in Baton Rouge, with mild temperatures and no precipitation expected during game times.
Ticket availability remains strong for all three games, though Friday’s opener is expected to draw the largest crowd as fans eagerly welcome back their championship team. Student sections are expected to be packed with LSU students returning from winter break ready to support their Tigers.
“The atmosphere at Alex Box is something every college baseball player should experience,” said a former SEC player now working as a broadcaster. “Add in the championship banner and opening day excitement, and it’s going to be electric.”
FAQs
What time does LSU baseball play Milwaukee on Friday?
The game starts at 2:00 PM Central Time on Friday, February 14.
Where can I watch the LSU vs Milwaukee baseball series?
All three games will be streamed on SEC Network+, which requires an ESPN+ subscription or cable provider login.
Who is LSU’s starting pitcher for the opener?
Sophomore Casan Evans will take the mound as LSU’s Friday starter against Milwaukee.
How many games are in the LSU vs Milwaukee series?
It’s a three-game series running Friday through Sunday at Alex Box Stadium.
Are tickets still available for the LSU baseball opener?
Yes, tickets remain available for all three games, though Friday’s opener is expected to have the highest attendance.
What’s LSU’s ranking entering the 2025 season?
The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in preseason polls as the defending national champions.
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