As the sun begins its slow descent over Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, all eyes turn to what promises to be a titanic Game 3 clash between two SEC powerhouses: the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide. With the series tied at 1-1, Saturday’s rubber match is shaping up to be not just a battle for bragging rights, but a defining moment in the 2025 college baseball season.
Game 1 saw LSU explode out of the gate with a dominant 9-3 victory, fueled by sophomore sensation Jace Rollins, who went 3-for-4 at the plate with a towering two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth. The Tigers’ ace, Carter Benoit, delivered seven solid innings, scattering five hits and striking out nine. It was a statement performance, the kind that sent a clear message: LSU wasn’t just defending home turf—they were hunting for the top spot in the SEC West.
But Alabama punched back in Game 2.
The Crimson Tide, led by senior pitcher Mason Drummond, silenced the raucous Baton Rouge crowd with a stunning 4-1 victory. Drummond, working with laser focus, allowed just two hits through eight innings and kept LSU’s offense off balance with a mix of blistering fastballs and wicked curveballs. The Tide’s bats came alive as well, with catcher Tyler Mayfield blasting a two-run shot in the seventh to seal the win. The momentum shift was palpable.
Now, everything comes down to Saturday.
First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric. LSU head coach Jay Johnson has tapped freshman phenom Mateo Serrano for the start, a bold move considering Serrano has never pitched in a series-deciding game this season. But Serrano’s 2.08 ERA and his uncanny poise under pressure may prove to be just what the Tigers need.
Across the diamond, Alabama counters with left-hander Owen Kessler, a crafty veteran known for inducing ground balls and frustrating hitters with his changeup. It’s a matchup of youth versus experience, firepower against finesse.
Offensively, fans should keep their eyes on LSU’s Brooks Langston, who’s due for a breakout after being held hitless in Game 2. Alabama’s slugger Colby Hatcher, meanwhile, has been quietly consistent and could be the difference-maker if he gets hot early.
Saturday’s game isn’t just a battle for the series win—it could have postseason implications. Both teams are jockeying for NCAA tournament seeding, and a victory here could shift the tide (pun intended) heading into May.
With the stands sold out and the stakes sky-high, the stage is set. Baton Rouge is ready, the players are locked in, and the rivalry burns hotter than ever. Game 3 isn’t just baseball—it’s war on the diamond.
