The fifth-ranked LSU Tigers (23-3, 4-2 SEC) welcome the Mississippi State Bulldogs (16-9, 1-5 SEC) to Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field for a three-game Southeastern Conference series beginning Thursday night in Baton Rouge. The Tigers are fresh off a midweek triumph over in-state foe UL Lafayette where they recaptured some of the momentum they lost last weekend in Austin.

This weekend's series isn't the conventional Friday to Sunday matchup as Tiger fans at The Box will be treated to two weeknight games on Thursday and Friday before wrapping up the series on Saturday afternoon.

Here's what to expect in LSU's third conference series of the season.

- Thursday, March 27 @ 7 p.m. CT (SEC Network)

- Friday, March 28 @ 6:30 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)

- Saturday, March 29 @ 2 p.m. CT (SEC Network+)

Game 1

LSU – So. LH Kade Anderson (5-0, 2.65 ERA, 34.0 IP, 8 BB, 56 SO)

MSU – Jr. RH Evan Siary (0-0, 2.31 ERA, 11.2 IP, 3 BB, 15 SO)

Matchup Analysis: Anderson has been LSU's ace, ranking third in the SEC with 56 strikeouts while demonstrating exceptional command (7:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio). He'll face an MSU offense that ranks fifth in the SEC in batting average. Siary has limited experience with just 11.2 innings pitched but has been effective when called upon. The freshman will have his hands full against LSU's conference-leading offense that's hitting .338 as a team. Anderson's experience and dominance gives LSU a significant edge in the opener.

Game 2

LSU - Jr. RH Anthony Eyanson (3-0, 4.50 ERA, 32.0 IP, 8 BB, 46 SO)

MSU – Sr. LH Pico Kohn (4-0, 2.52 ERA, 35.2 IP, 7 BB, 53 SO)

Matchup Analysis: Friday's pitching duel could be the highlight of the series. Kohn has been outstanding for the Bulldogs, as Coach Johnson noted, calling him "one of the best pitchers in the league." His numbers (4-0, 2.52 ERA) back that up. Eyanson has been solid for LSU, ranking fifth in the SEC with 46 strikeouts, though his ERA is nearly two runs higher than Kohn's. The lefty-righty contrast presents an interesting dynamic, with LSU's powerful offense facing perhaps its toughest test of the weekend. This matchup appears to be the most evenly balanced of the series.

Game 3

LSU – So. RH Chase Shores (4-1, 4.88 ERA, 27.2 IP, 12 BB, 30 SO)

MSU – Sr. RH Karson Ligon (2-3, 4.76 ERA, 22.2 IP, 9 BB, 32 SO)

Matchup Analysis: The series finale features two right-handers with similar statistical profiles. Shores has been more successful record-wise (4-1 compared to Ligon's 2-3), though both pitchers have ERAs hovering near 4.80. Control could be an issue for both starters, with Shores walking 12 in 27.2 innings and Ligon issuing 9 free passes in 22.2 innings. With two offenses that rank in the top five in the SEC going against pitchers with higher ERAs, Saturday's finale could become a high-scoring affair. LSU's offensive firepower and home-field advantage should give them a slight edge in what looks to be a competitive matchup.

Mississippi State leads the all-time series with LSU, 212-196-1, though LSU has won 13 of the past 17 SEC regular-season series between the programs. The Bulldogs have captured the last two series, winning two of three games in May 2023 in Baton Rouge and taking two of three from the Tigers in March of last season in Starkville. LSU posted nine straight series wins over MSU from 2007-15, but the teams have split the last eight series meetings from 2016-24 (no series played in 2020).

LSU leads the SEC with a .338 team batting average and tops the conference in hits (290) and doubles (68). The Tigers rank second in on-base percentage (.462) and third in runs scored (262).

Junior first baseman Jared Jones has been a force at the plate, hitting .422 (43-for-102) this season with 10 doubles, nine homers, 42 RBI and 33 runs. Jones leads the SEC in hits and ranks among the conference leaders in RBI (3rd), total bases (3rd), doubles (4th), batting average (4th), slugging percentage (7th) and on-base percentage (10th).

Sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson continues to dominate on the mound, improving to 5-0 after defeating Texas last Friday. Anderson worked 6.0 innings against the Longhorns, allowing just two runs on seven hits with no walks and eight strikeouts. He ranks third in the SEC in strikeouts (56) and fifth in innings pitched (34.0).

Freshman leftfielder Derek Curiel, LSU's leadoff hitter, has reached base safely in all 26 games this season. He ranks third in the SEC in on-base percentage (.566) and walks (26), fifth in batting average (.418), and seventh in both doubles (9) and hits (38).

Junior right-hander Zac Cowan has been excellent out of the bullpen, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.27 ERA in 21.1 innings with just three walks and 29 strikeouts. Cowan recorded his second save of the season last Friday against Texas, pitching 3.0 scoreless innings.

Mississippi State ranks fifth in the SEC with a .314 team batting average. The Bulldogs have collected 55 doubles, four triples, 38 homers, and 32 steals in 36 attempts this season. Their pitching staff ranks fourth in the league with a 3.39 ERA and has recorded 291 strikeouts in 207.0 innings.

Senior left-hander Pico Kohn has been the Bulldogs' most reliable starter, posting a 4-0 record with a 2.52 ERA in 35.2 innings with seven walks and 53 strikeouts.

Designated hitter Noah Sullivan leads MSU with a .395 batting average, adding eight doubles, four homers and 22 RBI. Infielder Ace Reese has provided the power for the Bulldogs, leading the team in doubles (8), home runs (8) and RBI (34).

With Anderson on the mound, LSU enters Thursday with a distinct advantage. The sophomore lefty has been virtually untouchable this season, as his recent performance against Texas shows he can get it done against top competition. Mississippi State counters with Siary, who despite a solid ERA, has limited experience on the mound. Against LSU's conference-leading offense, the inexperienced Bulldogs starter faces a significant challenge. I like the LSU's chances behind the arm of Anderson in game one.

Friday night presents the weekend's most intriguing contest. Kohn has been Mississippi State's most reliable starter, earning praise from Coach Johnson as "one of the best pitchers in the league." Eyanson has racked up impressive strikeout numbers but has been more susceptible to hard contact. With two high-caliber arms on the mound, execution becomes paramount—advancing runners, defensive plays in critical situations, and strategic bullpen usage could ultimately determine the outcome. This game represents Mississippi State's best chance to steal a win in the series.

Saturday's finale features two right-handers with nearly identical ERAs who have both struggled with command at times, suggesting offensive opportunities will present themselves. In matchups where pitching appears evenly matched, defensive execution often becomes the differentiator. LSU committing fewer errors and making plays in the field could be the deciding factor in what projects to be a high-scoring contest.

All in all, I like LSU's chances to leave the weekend with a series win against the visiting Bulldogs.