For the first time since 2000, LSU is in the winner's bracket in Omaha. The Tigers 9-5 win over Virginia sends them to a Monday night meeting against Arkansas. LSU had lost both games in Omaha in 2003 and 2004, and last year claimed a lone victory against Rice.
LSU ace Louis Coleman, who will start against Arkansas threw 17 pitches in the 8th inning. He retired Arkansas in order, recording 1 strikeout. Head coach Paul Mainieri said the length of Coleman's start Monday night won't be hampered by his work Saturday night against Virginia.
Said Mainieri, "it was (his amount of work) the equal of a glorified bullpen session."
Mainieri said he can never remember using three starters: Anthony Ranaudo, Austin Ross, and Louis Coleman in the same game. LSU used six pitchers in all.
Mainieri said all of the throwing to first base to hold Virginia runners may have thrown off Ranaudo, who last only 3.1 innings. Ranaudo's 80 pitch outing was his shortest of the season.
The attendance tonight was 24,904. That ties a CWS record for session two, which was tonight's game.