After LSU’s explosive 16–9 win over West Virginia in Game 1 of the Baton Rouge Super Regional, Head Coach Jay Johnson offered a confident and insightful breakdown of his team’s performance—emphasizing preparation, toughness, and composure in high-pressure situations.

Johnson began by praising the overall resilience and determination of his players, particularly considering the difficult playing conditions. “Great win for our team today against a really good team, really good pitcher. Tough conditions. It was very hot today. But our guys came ready to play,” he said. The heat was a clear factor, and Johnson acknowledged the physical toll, noting, “That was not easy… Everybody watching the game can attest watching it wasn’t easy, much less playing in it.”

A key part of the win came from starting pitcher Kade Anderson, who delivered a gritty performance. “Proud of Kade for gutting through that. Giving everything he had to every pitch was awesome,” Johnson commented. Anderson’s endurance and focus helped anchor LSU early in the game, preventing West Virginia from gaining momentum.

Offensively, Johnson highlighted his team’s approach at the plate as a major difference-maker. LSU batters showed tremendous discipline, drawing eight walks and capitalizing on multiple hit batters. “It’s like turnovers in football; you want to capitalize on them, and we certainly did today,” he explained. This patient approach paid off in a huge way, especially with clutch moments like Steven Milam’s grand slam and Josh Pearson’s home run.

The coach also praised the team’s ability to adjust strategically, crediting lineup changes and overall versatility. One such change—moving freshman Derek Curiel up in the order—was particularly impactful, with Curiel launching a three-run homer. “Team over me, understanding their job, being trained for it—that’s what makes the difference,” Johnson said of his players’ mentality.

Veteran leadership, especially from Pearson, didn’t go unnoticed either. Johnson was emotional speaking about the senior: “It’ll be odd not having him here… four years together… He’s always ready when we call his name.”

Overall, Jay Johnson’s comments reflected a coach fully confident in his team’s ability, grateful for their grit, and proud of how they executed in a pivotal postseason moment. With one more win standing between LSU and Omaha, Johnson made it clear that the Tigers are not only prepared—they’re hungry.