LSU opens regional with win against San Diego State, sets up potential Oregon State rematch

LSU outfielder Antoine Duplantis (8) bats against Air Force at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, La. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018. (Photo by Whitney Williston)(CORVALLIS, Ore. -- LSU coach Paul Mainieri didn't want even think about who could pitch in a game three until he knew there would be one. The Tigers will at least have that now.

LSU (38-25) beat San Diego State 6-4 on Friday (June 1) in the first round of the NCAA Regional. They will play Saturday against the winner of the Oregon State and Northwestern State game.

Mainieri said Thursday it was important for LSU to jump out early to potentially discourage San Diego State from turning to shutdown reliever Jacob Erickson. But in a 3-3 game,…