In LSU’s 3-2 win over Auburn on April 27, left-handed pitcher Nate Ackenhausen left the game after only throwing 26 pitches due to a hamstring injury. Ahead of a massive three-game series against Texas A&M this weekend, LSU head coach Jay Johnson provided an update on Ackenhausen’s condition.
“Don’t know yet [if Ackenhausen can play],” Johnson said. “Won’t know until tomorrow.”
Ackenhausen has pitched 30.2 innings this season, recording a 5.87 ERA. The 6-foot-2 senior has dealt 37 strikeouts while only throwing two wild pitches. Over the last month, Ackenhausen has routinely been LSU’s Game 3 starter since early April.
Ackehnhausen was instrumental in the Tigers’ run to a national title last season, making 17 appearances and two starts. He was a standout against Tennessee in a College World Series elimination game on June 20 in his first career LSU start.
In the win, Ackenhausen worked 6.0 innings and limited the Volunteers to no runs on four hits with no walks and seven strikeouts. This isn’t the first time Ackenhausen has faced hamstring issues.
Ackenhausen’s time on the mound was limited last season due to a hamstring injury, as well. He missed over three weeks while recovering. Johnson is hopeful his reliable lefty can make a return to the mound before LSU squares off against the Aggies.
“He’s worked hard on the rehab,” Johnson said. “You’re looking at a senior who’s getting down to it. So you guys know the motivation is there to get out there and get on the mound.”
LSU has won five of its last six games, most recently securing a dominant 26-2 triumph over Grambling State. In the win, the Tigers blasted five home runs while limiting to Grambling State to a mere seven hits.
“I’d like the hard contact we saw tonight from our hitters, using the whole field,” Johnson said after the game. “I liked the at-bats across the board; I think at one time I counted we were 15-for-18 or 15-for-19 over one stretch.
“Our pitching is why we’ve won seven of our last nine games,” Johnson continued. “We’ve had two bad innings on the mound over the past nine games. We’re looking forward to our pitchers continuing that this weekend.”
Nate Ackenhausen’s availability will heavily influence whether LSU is able to accomplish Johnson’s goals. The Tigers currently have a 29-17 overall record and 7-14 mark against SEC foes, the third-worst conference record in the SEC West.
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