LSU Softball/Baseball 101

Starting Thursday afternoon, LSU's softball team will be in the national spotlight, with the baseball team to follow a day later. Thursday at 2:30, the Lady Tigers take on California in the opening game of the NCAA College World Series. Friday night at 7 (you can hear the game LIVE on AM-1130 The Tiger), the Tigers host the University of Louisiana-Monroe in the Baton Rouge Regional of the NCAA Baseball Tournament. Here's how it works:

The Lady Tigers are one of eight teams playing for the National Championship in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It's a double-elimination tournament, until two teams reach the Championship Series. Then, it's a best two-out-of-three. The champion will be crowned either June 5 or 6. If you haven't watched much college softball (all games on the ESPN family of networks), check out LSU's two premier pitchers, Rachele Fico and Brittany Mack. During the Lady Tigers' run to OKC, Fico and Mack have combined for a 0.45 ERA and a 5-1 record.

The Tigers are one of eight national seeds--and one of 64 total teams--playing for a trip to Omaha, site of the College World Series. There are four teams in the Baton Rouge regional, including ULM, Oregon State and Belmont. It's double-elimination, and the regional winner will advance to one of eight Super Regionals. Should LSU win their regional, they will host a Super Regional, which pits two teams in a best-of-three series. The winners of the eight Super Regionals will play in Omaha starting June 15.

So there you go...a little primer on LSU in both the CSWS and the NCAA Baseball Championship. LSU in the post-season--a familiar scene, and one which never grows old for Tiger fans!