Tigers Remain Uncompetitive as Aggies Clinch Series
David Billiot Jr • April 19, 2026
Texas A&M - 7, LSU - 2
Saturday Evening Recap
Despite the uncompetitive loss in game 1. Despite Jay Johnson’s post-game comments about the roster. Despite his comments about the competitiveness. Despite the fact that this team in running out of runway to finally take off, they came out flat, yet again, and got dominated by Texas A&M to clinch the series. LSU fell to 6-11 in SEC play, having lost 5 consecutive conference games. Three of those losses are by 5+ runs, meaning it was smooth sailing for their opponents. Weekend pitching had been the Tigers “best” aspect for the first 5 weeks of the SEC schedule, but it has failed them through two games so far. William Schmidt had his worst outing of the season, getting pummeled by the potent Aggies lineup for 7 runs through 5.1 innings pitched and getting credited with the loss to drop his record to 4-4 in 2026. The bullpen was solid, holding Texas A&M scoreless for the final 3.2 innings of the game, but with the lack of offensive support, it was too little, too late.
As bad as the offense seemed at times in game 1, they found a way to get worse in game 2. Mustering only 5 hits, LSU only reached base 7 times, including the 2 walks. They’ve now struck out 18 times this weekend, while only drawing 3 walks. That’s just another example of how the lineup is so far away from looking like a Jay Johnson lineup, they’ve become unrecognizable. They hit .161 as a team on Saturday night, including a .111 average with runners on base. Mason Braun was the only Tiger to reach 2nd base safely the entire night. It’s just not good enough.
Pitching
William Schmidt got off to a great start, quickly disposing of one of the best 1-2-3s in the country with Grahovac, Sorrell, and Hacopian. It only took 12 pitches to record a strikeout and two flyouts. That quickly went down the drain in the 2nd, as Texas A&M picked up right where they left off last night with scoring 2-out runs. The inning went flyout, infield single, flyout to start, when Jorian Wilson followed his two homerun game last night with an RBI single to start the scoring. Bear Harrison followed with a 2-run homerun and just like that, the Aggies were up 3-0. A lineout would end the inning. Things didn’t get a whole lot better in the 3rd, as Schmidt allowed a leadoff homerun to Grahovac, followed by a single, double, and sacrifice fly and it was a 5-1 game. The sophomore was able to pitch around traffic to prevent any further damage. He finally got back on track in the 4th with a 3-up, 3-down inning, but the Aggies weren’t held scoreless for much longer. A leadoff double in the 5th, followed by a wild pitch, set up a sacrifice fly that extended their lead to 6-1. Back-to-back strikeouts would get the Tigers off of the field, but the whole was getting deeper and deeper with their struggling offense. Schmidt’s day would end in the 6th. After recording a flyout to start the inning, the then walked the bases loaded and with his 105 pitches, Jay Johnson came out to get him.
- Final line: 5.1 IP / 7 hits / 7 runs / 4 K / 4 BB / 105 pitches (60 strikes, 57%)
Connor Benge came out for his normal task of trying to put out a fire, but a weak ground ball through the open side of the infield with the Tigers shifted led to an RBI single to make it a 7-2 game and that would be the only batter he faced.
- Final line: 0.0 IP / 1 hit / 0 runs / 0 K / 0 BB / 3 pitches (2 strikes, 67%)
Cooper Williams entered for a lefty-lefty matchup against Sorrell and struck him out for his only batter faced.
- Final line: 0.1 IP / 0 hits / 0 runs / 1 K / 0 BB / 6 pitches (4 strikes, 67%)
With 2 outs and the bases loaded, Zion Theophilus entered and recorded a groundout to end the inning. He returned for the 7th and despite allowing a leadoff single, he was able to record a strikeout and a flyout before his day came to an end.
- Final line: 1.0 IP / 1 hit / 0 runs / 1 K / 0 BB / 11 pitches (7 strikes, 64%)
After a fantastic outing last night, Jay called upon Danny Lachenmayer took over with 2 outs and recorded a groundout to end the inning. He did not return for the 8th.
- Final line: 0.1 IP / 0 hits / 0 runs / 0 K / 0 BB / 5 pitches (3 strikes, 60%)
It was Marcos Paz taking over in the 8th and as he has in his first inning of work many times this year, he cruised. He went 1-2-3 with a flyout, a strikeout, and a weak groundball. His troubles have come in his second innings back out on the mound and that somewhat held true, but he was able to pitch through it. He struck out Sorrell to start the inning, then allowed a walk and a single. That’s where he locked in and got his third strikeout and a groundout to escape with no damage. The freshman continues to boast tremendous promise as he matures throughout his first season. So much so that Jay Johnson gushed about him in his post-game presser, saying that he believes Paz “will eventually be the best pitcher in the program.”
- Final line: 2.0 IP / 1 hit / 0 runs / 3 K / 1 BB / 42 pitches (25 strikes, 60%)
Hitting
Steven Milam recorded his second game in a row with multiple hits, including another homerun. This one was from the left side off of Aiden Sims, a bomb that landed under the auxiliary scoreboard in right-center. The star shortstop has quietly raised his average up to .284, 4th among regular starters. He finished the night 2-4.
Omar Serna, Chris Stanfield, and Derek Curiel each had a single. Serna finished 1-2 with a walk, Stanfield went 1-3 with an RBI, and Curiel was 1-4.
Up Next
LSU and Texas A&M will wrap up the series tomorrow afternoon with game 3. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 pm central and presents a pitching matchup of TBA from each team. Despite how bad this series has gone for the Tigers, they are set up well with their top arms for tomorrow. Zac Cowan, Deven Sheerin, Gavin Guidry, and Santiago Garcia have each yet to throw this weekend. The availability of Cooper Moore may also play a large factor. If Moore does pitch, I expect him to start the game in a very limited capacity. Despite potentially being unavailable to record more than 3-6 outs, it would be beneficial for him to get back in to a starter’s routine before, hopefully, fully returning next weekend. If Moore doesn’t pitch, my best estimation would be Cowan to start the game. As for the Aggies, RHP Weston Moss could be a potential candidate. He has started 8 games on the weekend this season, so it would make sense. His record is 3-2 with a 6.69 ERA through 36.1 innings pitched. He has struck out 35 and walked 13 and holds a WHIP of 1.58.
Tomorrow is a must-win for LSU. Semantics say that it’s never a must-win until the season is on the line, but the season gets more and more on the line with every loss. A second consecutive sweep would be catastrophic for this team, especially considering their remaining schedule. It’s been a waiting game for this team to finally click, so time will tell if that ever actually happens.
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TE
Colby Simpson
Simpson possesses prototypical size for a modern tight end, with long arms and a lean, projectable frame that college strength programs can build upon.
At 6-5/6-6 and 225 lbs, he has the height to be a mismatch in the red zone and the wingspan to high-point balls over defenders. His athleticism is evident from his two-way play at Oaks Christian, where he contributed on defense as a sophomore (2023 season: 40 tackles, 1 sack in 12 games). He was among the “eye catchers” at the Redlands Mega Camp in summer 2023, demonstrating fluid movement and explosiveness for his size.
Physically, Simpson moves well for a big-bodied TE, with good straight-line speed and the ability to accelerate after the catch.
His frame suggests he could bulk up to 245-255 lbs in college, enhancing his blocking prowess while maintaining receiving upside. Camp performances indicate above-average agility and body control.
1st Team: All Marmonte League Receiver, All County Receiver, and Oaks Christian Receiver of the year.
Scouting Report:
Receiving and Route Running: Simpson shows soft hands and the ability to make contested catches, using his height to box out smaller defenders. He runs crisp routes for his size, particularly on seams, posts, and curls, where he can leverage his stride length. After the catch, he has decent yards-after-contact (YAC) ability due to his size and balance, though he isn’t a burner who will outrun secondaries.
Blocking: One of his stronger suits, given his defensive background. He engages well at the point of attack, using leverage and hand placement to sustain blocks in the run game. In pass protection, he can anchor against edge rushers but needs to add strength to handle Power 5-level defensive linemen consistently.
Athleticism and Versatility: High-level body control and coordination, allowing him to adjust to off-target throws. His two-way experience (TE/DE) points to football IQ and toughness. He thrives in mismatch situations, splitting out wide or in the slot to exploit linebackers or safeties. Strengths
Size and Frame: Ideal height/weight combo with room to grow; a red-zone threat who can win 50/50 balls.
Versatility: Can line up inline, in the slot, or even detached; defensive experience adds edge and physicality.
Hands and Ball Skills: Reliable catcher with strong concentration in traffic.
Blocking Prowess: Willing and effective blocker who can contribute immediately in run-heavy offenses.
Upside: Camp standout with raw tools that could flourish in a college system; nearly 20 offers from Power 4 programs (e.g., Arkansas, Baylor, Illinois, Louisville, Mississippi State, Minnesota, Purdue, Cal, Utah, Oregon State, Washington, Wake Forest) indicate high developmental potential. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
WR
Destyn Hill- LSU
Hall is rebuilding the scheme around tempo, a heavy passing game (more than any previous year), pro-style elements, and big-play explosiveness. Hill specifically picked Tulane for this: “Coach Hall said he plans on throwing the ball way more this year than any other year. I like that plan and I am ready to go forward with it.” Hall has raved about his potential: “Really high. At the least, a two-story building. He is really talented and really driven.” With size, speed, polished route-running, and positional versatility, Hill is primed for a breakout as a mismatch weapon in the new system, exactly the kind of high-ceiling addition Hall targeted to elevate the aerial attack.
Hill checks every box: explosive talent for Hall’s pass-first vision, deep local roots, P4 pedigree with untapped upside, and total commitment to the program. He’s exactly the high-ceiling, homegrown playmaker Tulane needed to inject speed and production into the 2026 offense. Spring practice has already shown the fit, he’s poised for a big year. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X