Bayou Baseball Showdown: LSU Hosts Regional as Southeastern Louisiana Prepares for NCAA Tournament

May 29, 2025

By The Bayou Insider Staff

Louisiana’s college baseball legacy is alive and well as two of the state’s standout programs prepare for the NCAA postseason. The LSU Tigers will once again welcome the nation to Baton Rouge as hosts of a regional at iconic Alex Box Stadium, while the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, fresh off a dominant regular season, are heading to the NCAA Tournament looking to make waves on the national stage.

This is more than just baseball—it’s a celebration of Louisiana grit, athleticism, and tradition.

🐯 LSU Tigers: Baton Rouge Regional Hosts

LSU enters the postseason with a 43–14 overall record and national expectations as high as the summer temperatures. This marks the 28th time in program history that LSU has hosted a regional—an achievement that speaks to the program’s consistent excellence and deep fan support.

With a home record of 30–5, the Tigers have turned Alex Box Stadium into a fortress. The energy from the crowd, the smell of boudin and barbecue, and the sound of the “LSU! LSU!” chants make Baton Rouge one of the most electric environments in college baseball.

🎟️ Baton Rouge Regional Schedule:

Friday, May 30:
- Game 1: LSU vs. Little Rock at 2:00 PM (SEC Network)
- Game 2: Dallas Baptist vs. Rhode Island at 6:30 PM (ESPN+)
Saturday, May 31:
- Game 3: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 – 1:00 PM
- Game 4: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 – 5:00 PM
Sunday, June 1:
- Game 5: Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 – 2:00 PM
- Game 6: Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 4 – 8:00 PM
Monday, June 2:
- Game 7 (if necessary): Time TBD

The Tigers will lean on a deep bullpen, explosive hitting, and playoff-tested leadership as they begin their march toward Omaha.

🦁 Southeastern Louisiana Lions: Eyes on a Tournament Breakthrough

Across the state, Southeastern Louisiana University has quietly built a program that demands attention. The Lions finished 38–16 overall and were co-champions of the Southland Conference regular season with a 22–8 conference record.

While they may not carry the national profile of LSU, don’t mistake them for underdogs. SLU has earned its spot in the postseason with strong pitching, disciplined hitting, and a sense of purpose that’s grown with each season.

🧢 Program Highlights:

Head Coach: Bobby Barbier (2nd year), bringing intensity and vision to the Lions
Key Players:
- TJ Salvaggio – shortstop and team leader, known for clutch hitting
- Cole Stromboe – outfielder with speed and range, all-conference selection
- Brennan Stuprich – ace pitcher who sets the tone from the mound

SLU will enter the NCAA Tournament with momentum and hunger. While the bracket placement is still pending, Lions fans are hopeful for a favorable regional and perhaps the program’s first trip past the opening weekend.

⚾ Why It Matters: A Louisiana Baseball Renaissance

The simultaneous success of LSU and SLU represents more than athletic accomplishment—it reflects a cultural truth: Louisiana lives and breathes baseball.

From backyard batting cages in Baton Rouge to Little League fields in Hammond, young players across the state are watching closely. These two teams offer proof that with discipline, teamwork, and a little bayou toughness, greatness is within reach.

The 2025 postseason presents an opportunity for Louisiana to shine on the national stage—and whether you wear purple and gold or green and gold, one thing is certain: this is Louisiana’s time.

🔗 Sources

📣 Call to Action:

From Baton Rouge to Hammond, the road to Omaha runs through Louisiana.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Alex Box or tuning in to support the Lions, now’s the time to back our Bayou ballplayers. Share this story, wear your colors, and show the nation that when it comes to baseball, Louisiana doesn’t just play—we lead.

Let’s pack the parks, fire up the grills, and rally behind our teams. The postseason is here. Geaux Tigers. Go Lions. Let’s bring it home. ⚾