Jay Johnson breaks down the progression of LSU's bullpen throughout this season

LSU is headed to the College World Series for the first time since 2017 after sweeping Kentucky in the Baton Rouge Super Regional last weekend. Tigers head coach Jay Johnson believes his bullpen has a lot to do with his squad’s string of postseason success.

The bullpen “just kind of stayed at it,” Johnson said. There were multiple instances during the latter weeks of the season that Johnson pointed to — after losing to Mississippi State 14-13 on May 14, from that point forward — McNeese the following Tuesday, the Georgia season finale series, the SEC Tournament, all the way to the Regional and Super Regional — LSU’s bullpen has been, “the strength of this team.”

Following last month’s loss to the Bulldogs, LSU hasn’t allowed more than nine runs in the 12 games since.

“I never doubted the talent. I think we just needed to help them get lined up a little bit better mentally,” Johnson said after advancing to the CWS. “I think the two things that we really focused on were making sure that they were ready to get the first hitter out when they come in the game. Like, we’re bringing you in to get that guy out to start with. When something goes wrong, just to be able to reset and get to the next pitch.”

Johnson spoke highly of his bullpen following the game two victory, praising Riley Cooper and Gavin Guidry for their efforts on the mound.

Cooper relieved starter Ty Floyd after 3.1 innings, who gave up all three of Kentucky’s solo home runs during the matchup. They would prove to be the only runs LSU would give up all afternoon. Cooper and Guidry combined for zero runs through 5.2 innings including four hits, two walks and six strikeouts.

“The two guys who pitched tonight, they pitched tonight because they’re winners,” Johnson said. “I mean, it’s no accident that big boy has been to Omaha twice and has pitched there and helped us get there twice. I mean, I think that’s the second Super Regional win for him.

“And with Gavin, man, that dude is something else. He’s got ‘it.’ … It takes some kind of confidence to do that,” Johnson said. “Those guys are special. Great performances all the way through for the bullpen down the stretch.”

LSU’s first game of the College World Series is set for Saturday, June 17 at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN will carry the national broadcast as the Tigers look to take one step closer to claiming their seventh national championship and first since 2009.