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Koki Riley

@kokiriley

LSU football and baseball reporter for The Advocate and Nola.com // Past: The Advertiser, The State Press, The Arizona Republic

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Latest posts by Koki Riley @kokiriley

Preview
For whatever is wrong with LSU baseball, Jay Johnson is confident he has the answers LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is confident that he can find the answers to fixing the Tigers’ recent skid.

NEW: I dove into Jay Johnson’s mindset as #LSU baseball has continued to struggle.

What’s his plan for getting the Tigers out of this hole?

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

06.03.2026 14:36 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
LSU baseball’s defense is faltering. Here’s how it cost the Tigers in their loss to UL LSU baseball lost to UL on Wednesday night in Lafayette, dropping its second straight game.

GAMER: Right now, #LSU is struggling in almost every aspect of the game. But one area that has been particularly troublesome through 14 contests has been the Tigers' defense.

That issue showed up again on Wednesday in LSU's second straight defeat.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

05.03.2026 04:30 👍 2 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Is it time for LSU baseball fans to panic? 5 takeaways from Dartmouth, Northeastern games. Here are five takeaways from LSU baseball’s four games against Northeastern and Dartmouth at Alex Box Stadium.

We’ve got a fresh set of takeaways after a lackluster weekend and an embarrassing Monday night loss for #LSU.

- What happened to the offense?
- Starting pitching progress
- Lefty trouble
- And more!!!

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

03.03.2026 16:18 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The questions LSU baseball must answer after embarrassing loss to Northeastern LSU baseball suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Northeastern on Monday at Alex Box Stadium.

GAMER: Tonight was a good reminder of how championship culture works.

It isn't tested after wins. It's not even tested all that much after a tight loss. The real test for #LSU comes after a game like tonight.

So how will the Tigers respond?

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

03.03.2026 06:06 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The keys to William Schmidt’s success in LSU baseball’s tight win over Dartmouth LSU baseball took down Dartmouth on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium thanks to a dominant performance from sophomore right-hander William Schmidt.

GAMER: As the offense continued to struggle, the highlight of Sunday, instead, was William Schmidt.

On why the sophomore has dazzled in back-to-back starts, and what that means for #LSU.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

01.03.2026 22:39 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Inside this defensive wrinkle LSU baseball deployed in its win over Northeastern This defensive strategy led to a win for LSU baseball over Northeastern.

GAMER: Jay Johnson dusted off an old defensive alignment that hadn't been prominent since 2023.

Against a lefty at the plate, Milam played 2B, Caraway shifted to SS and Simpson was at 3B.

On why Johnson deployed the alignment and what it means:

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

28.02.2026 23:59 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Why Jay Johnson has tough decisions to make with LSU baseball’s lineup moving forward LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has tough decisions to make with his lineup as the Tigers venture deeper into their 2026 season.

With Chris Stanfield still out, it’s been a little easier for Jay Johnson to fill out his lineup card the last couple weeks.

But that’s about to change, and soon. #LSU

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

28.02.2026 14:48 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Mixed results a theme for Friday starter Casan Evans again in LSU’s win over Dartmouth LSU baseball took down Dartmouth on Friday in Casan Evans’ third start of the year at Alex Box Stadium.

GAMER: Friday was another start that produced mixed results for Casan Evans, which has been a theme for the sophomore since he took over the No. 1 role in the rotation.

Wrote about that in-depth on a night where #LSU got by with a 5-2 win over Dartmouth.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

28.02.2026 05:01 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
The ones that got away: How LSU signees under Jay Johnson have fared in MLB Here’s an update on all of the LSU baseball signees under Jay Johnson who skipped school to join professional baseball.

You’ve probably seen the clips of Konnor Griffin blasting baseballs over the Green Monster replica at JetBlue Park.

But Griffin isn’t the only former #LSU signee under Johnson that is making a mark in MLB.

Here’s how they’re all faring in pro ball: www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

27.02.2026 15:26 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Jay Johnson provides injury updates on two key LSU baseball hitters LSU coach Jay Johnson provides injury updates on catcher Cade Arrambide and Chris Stanfield.

Jay Johnson had injury updates on a couple #LSU starters today:

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

26.02.2026 20:03 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
One of LSU’s top hitters suffered a foot injury against McNeese State. Here’s what we know. He has been one of LSU’s top hitters this season.

ICYMI last night: Cade Arrambide hurt his foot during #LSU’s loss to McNeese State.

Here’s what we know about the ailment so far:

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/c...

25.02.2026 14:26 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
Preview
A weakness of LSU’s pitching staff rears its ugly head in loss to McNeese State LSU baseball dropped its first game of the year to McNeese State on Tuesday at Alex Box Stadium.

GAMER: Free passes resulted in #LSU's first loss of the season, exposing a weakness with the Tigers' pitching staff that will need to be minimized moving forward.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

25.02.2026 05:58 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
What we've learned from LSU baseball's 8-0 start
What we've learned from LSU baseball's 8-0 start YouTube video by LSU Tigers on NOLA.com

New podcast!

Scott Rabalais, Zach Ewing and I discussed #LSU baseball's hot start to the season, including...

- A ridiculously deep lineup
- Seth Dardar's red-hot start
- Starting pitching progress
- And more!

youtu.be/_-IoNsuH2og?...

25.02.2026 00:22 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Inside LSU’s Gavin Guidry’s difficult road back from injury — and his new mindset Here’s the story behind Gavin Guidry’s back injury, and why the LSU pitcher has returned to the mound with a fresh mindset.

Gavin Guidry couldn’t sleep. He lost his appetite. He even wondered if he’d ever return to the field.

But now #LSU’s star reliever is back from a mysterious back injury that cost him all of 2025.

On Guidry’s return to the field and new mindset: www.nola.com/sports/lsu/g...

20.02.2026 14:31 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Trent Caraway showed why he’s a critical part of LSU’s lineup in win over Nicholls State LSU baseball took down Nicholls State on Wednesday thanks to Trent Caraway’s grand slam.

GAMER: Trent Caraway was always going to be an important piece for #LSU this season.

And on Wednesday afternoon against Nicholls, it only took him one swing to show why.

www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/...

19.02.2026 00:26 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Should LSU be concerned about its starting rotation? 5 takeaways from Kent State, Milwaukee wins Here are five takeaways from LSU baseball’s four games against Milwaukee and Kent State.

My first batch of #LSU baseball takeaways after a 4-0 start, including…

- Rotation struggles
- Cade Arrambide
- Freshman contributors
- And more!

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

17.02.2026 15:05 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
What Jake Brown’s power surge means for LSU baseball’s attack after win over Kent State LSU baseball took down undefeated Kent State at Alex Box Stadium on Monday thanks to two home runs from Jake Brown.

GAMER: Jake Brown hit a home run. And then he hit another one, and another one.

By the time the 3rd inning came on Monday, Brown was a swing away from a 4th HR in 5 ABs. That blast happened 3 pitches later.

On what Brown's power surge means for #LSU: www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

17.02.2026 05:39 👍 3 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
Preview
LSU baseball makes drastic lineup changes in Sunday’s blowout win over Milwaukee LSU baseball demolished Milwaukee in the final game of its three game series with the Panthers on Sunday at Alex Box Stadium.

GAMER: The most notable aspect of Sunday's #LSU win was the lineup.

Brayden Simpson in LF. Caraway at 2B. Pearson at 3B. No Stanfield.

Stanfield had a small ailment, but the changes showed a flexibility with the position group that didn't seem possible.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

15.02.2026 23:33 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Post image Post image Post image Post image

Final from the Box as LSU defeated Milwaukee 5-3. Check @theadvocatebr @kokiriley.bsky.social for all #LSU updates. 📸 gallery @theadvocatebr.bsky.social link 👇 #PHOTOS #photooftheday #nikonphotography #NCAABaseball

tinyurl.com/cd8v3n92

15.02.2026 00:27 👍 5 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
How Cooper Moore utilized a dominant changeup to lead LSU baseball past Milwaukee LSU baseball right-handed pitcher Cooper Moore dominated Milwaukee in his first start for the Tigers on Saturday.

GAMER: The changeup is a beautiful pitch, and no pitcher on LSU threw it better last year than Zac Cowan.

Cowan is obviously back in 2026, but now he won't be alone in the dominant changeup department. #LSU fans, meet Kansas transfer Cooper Moore.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

14.02.2026 23:30 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The Advocate sports cover featuring an illustration of LSU's Milaysia Fulwiley

The Advocate sports cover featuring an illustration of LSU's Milaysia Fulwiley

In Saturday's sports, from @reeddarcey.bsky.social: Fulwiley focal point of LSU-South Carolina rivalry game that has nation’s attention www.nola.com/sports/lsu/w...

From @kokiriley.bsky.social: LSU baseball rallies to defeat Milwaukee on opening day, keep streaks alive www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

14.02.2026 05:19 👍 1 🔁 2 💬 1 📌 0
Preview
LSU baseball leans on bullpen, transfer bat off the bench in comeback opening day win LSU baseball earned a big comeback victory over Milwaukee at Alex Box Stadium on Friday.

A streak was in jeopardy. Heading into Friday, Jay Johnson had never lost on opening day as a head coach.

#LSU trailed 5-2 in the 6th inning. The offense had done nothing on its last two trips up.

But then Seth Dardar walked up to the plate...

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

14.02.2026 01:20 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
LSU’s Jay Johnson studied old sports dynasties, and now he knows how to build his own LSU baseball is trying to build a dynasty under coach Jay Johnson. Here’s how the Tigers coach will try to maintain their success.

Ahead of first pitch, read on what to expect this szn ⤵️

From @kokiriley.bsky.social: Jay Johnson studied old sports dynasties, now he knows how to build his own

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

13.02.2026 18:56 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The Advocate sports cover is being held outside in the sunlight. A coffee and a newspaper tab section sit on a table in the background

The Advocate sports cover is being held outside in the sunlight. A coffee and a newspaper tab section sit on a table in the background

POV: You're a print subscriber and the weather is perfect for reading outside 🌞📰

13.02.2026 18:38 👍 4 🔁 1 💬 1 📌 0
Preview
LSU’s Jay Johnson studied old sports dynasties, and now he knows how to build his own LSU baseball is trying to build a dynasty under coach Jay Johnson. Here’s how the Tigers coach will try to maintain their success.

Jay Johnson will never say it, but #LSU is on the door step of a dynasty.

Winning a third title in four seasons would qualify. However, the new challenges the Tigers face are unique to what they’ve seen.

Johnson knows this. He did research to prepare.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

13.02.2026 14:58 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Jay Johnson announces LSU baseball’s starting rotation for opening weekend against Milwaukee LSU baseball has set its starting pitchers for this weekend’s opening series against Milwaukee.

Jay Johnson revealed his starting rotation for opening weekend. Included is some extra context behind why each starter was chosen for their role. #LSU

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

12.02.2026 20:08 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Final projections for LSU baseball’s starting lineup, weekend rotation Projecting LSU baseball’s starting lineup and rotation for one final time heading into the 2026 season.

Who will start on the mound? And what will the lineup look like?

Made my final predictions for starters, the lineup and more on the eve of opening day. #LSU

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

12.02.2026 14:40 👍 0 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
Five keys for LSU baseball to return to Omaha and repeat as national champions Here are five keys for the Tigers to win a third championship in four years.

What does #LSU need to do to get back to Omaha this summer?

Wrote about 5 keys for the Tigers as we inch closer to opening day.

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/l...

11.02.2026 15:18 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Preview
SEC baseball preview: Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee and others ready to challenge LSU Here’s a preview of all 16 SEC teams heading into the spring.

What’s the SEC shaping up to be this year?

Wrote about every team in the conference heading into this baseball season and three players to watch at the plate and on the mound. #LSU

www.nola.com/sports/lsu/s...

10.02.2026 15:09 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
LSU baseball preview: Reigning national champs ready to run it back
LSU baseball preview: Reigning national champs ready to run it back YouTube video by LSU Tigers on NOLA.com

The sun is out, the grass is green and the boys are ready to play some ball.

Baseball season is officially back in Baton Rouge, and Scott Rabalais, Zach Ewing and I have you covered with our 2026 LSU season preview podcast.

YouTube: youtu.be/Oqezy8fC8rA?...

09.02.2026 21:05 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0