Tigers host Cajuns in “Pink Game”

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LSU will wear pink helmets and wristbands for breast cancer awareness

Family members of LSU coach Paul Mainieri (left) and former outfielder Mikie Mahtook (right) are breast cancer survivors and will throw out ceremonial first pitches tonight (photo by Gail Chisum).

By RICHARD FISCHER
Tiger Rag Assistant Editor

Following two weekends of SEC play, the Tigers (18-6) will step out of conference once again and host in-state rival ULL (13-10) Wednesday night.

First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m., and the Tigers will promote breast cancer awareness and research by wearing pink batting helmets and wristbands.

Also, breast cancer survivors Cathy Mainieri Gagnon, sister of LSU coach Paul Mainieri, and Mary Ann Mahtook, mother of former LSU All-American outfielder Mikie Mahtook, will throw ceremonial first pitches prior to the game.

As for the game itself, the Ragin’ Cajuns have had as much success against LSU as just about any other in-state school, winning four of the 11 meetings since 2000. That includes an 11-5 ULL triumph in Alex Box Stadium last season - also in the midst of SEC play.

On that day last year, the Tigers may have been looking ahead to a crucial three-game set at Georgia. Mainieri will make sure that doesn’t happen this time around with No. 3 Arkansas set to invade Baton Rouge this weekend.

“It’s a good, tough midweek game and we better be ready to play - not look ahead to Arkansas,” he said.

LSU will go with the same pitcher who picked up the loss versus the Cajuns last season in the form of Joe Broussard. He was the Tigers’ first pitcher in relief of an ineffective Tyler Jones, but he wasn’t much better surrendering three runs in three innings.

Broussard has been hit or miss this season. He’s got a 2-0 record with 12 K’s compared to four walks, but a 5.27 ERA is a bit troubling.

For ULL, Greg Fontenot had a four-hit game and Mike Petello blasted a three-run homer versus LSU last year. Neither of which are still on the team however.

The youthful Cajuns will go with freshman Austin Robichaux on the mound. The Crowley product is the son of ULL head coach Tony Robichaux, and he’s 0-2 with a 3.60 ERA, six walks and six strikeouts. Wednesday will be his fourth start and sixth appearance of the season.

“We’ve had some great games with ULL since I’ve been the coach here, and I think the players on both sides really enjoy the competition,” Mainieri said. “We have tremendous respect for Tony Robichaux and his program, and we’re looking forward to playing a quality opponent in front of a big crowd.”

Without centerfielder Chris Sciambra in LSU’s lineup, Jared Foster will get the start in center, and Beau Didier will be the Tigers’ DH.

You can find a live blog of tonight’s game right here on TigerRag.com.