The 2025 NCAA baseball tournament kicks off on Friday, May 30, with teams opening regional play across the nation. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders in Baton Rouge.
LSU is looking like a national title contender, boasting top-30 rankings in nearly every key offensive category. The Tigers’ balanced lineup features power hitters Jared Jones, Derek Curiel, Daniel Dickinson, and Ethan Frey, all with slugging averages over .500. On the mound, LSU’s staff is statistically one of the most dominant in the country, ranking third nationally in strikeout rate.
Dallas Baptist is another team to watch, pairing impressive offense with a solid pitching staff. The Patriots’ lineup features three power hitters – Nathan Humphreys, Grant Jay, and Chayton Krauss – and their bullpen boasts elite swing-and-miss potential. DBU’s pitching staff may not be overpowering, but it’s steady and effective.
Rhode Island brings one of the most explosive offenses in the field, led by Anthony DePino’s .359 batting average and 19 home runs. The Rams’ fortunes hinge on pitcher Trystan Levesque, who has been steady with a 3.25 ERA and 90 strikeouts.
However, some teams may struggle to keep up with these powerhouses. Little Rock ranks near the bottom in several key statistics, including runs scored per game and home runs. Their pitching staff allows an average of 7.1 runs per game and boasts an ERA of 6.38.
As the tournament progresses, we’ll see which teams can survive deep into June. For now, it’s a battle between LSU and its regional opponents to emerge as champions.
Source: https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/baton-rouge-regional-2025-ncaa-baseball-tournament-preview