Thatcher Hurd reflects on decision to transfer from UCLA to LSU

After spending the 2022 season at UCLA, LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd reflected on his decision to transfer ahead of the College World Series.

Hurd had increased time on the mound this year and was successful for the Tigers. While he had a 2-0 mark at UCLA last season, he settled into his groove in Baton Rouge. Hurd kept it in the present when it came to his college baseball career, focusing squarely on LSU.

“I love being an LSU Tiger,” Hurd said. “I love our coaches. Love the teammates to death. Some of my closest friends. It’s been a great season we’ve had. I’ve loved it. I feel like I’ve grown a lot from it. In terms of the adjustments, just sticking to my process every day and staying true to that. Some results following, and then we’re in a good spot now.”

This year, Hurd has a 6-2 record and a 6.49 ERA in 20 games pitched (10 starts). He has three saves, 51.1 innings pitched, 71 strikeouts and a 1.695 WHIP.

“Yeah, I think it’s been rewarding,” Hurd said of his up and down season. “With failure, success, I stayed true to my process every day with my work, and it feels good to contribute to the team.

“Obviously when you’re going out there and you don’t feel like you’re contributing and letting some of your guys down, it’s the worst feeling in the world. So it feels really good to kind of contribute, and I just want to help us win.”

Hurd credited fellow pitcher Paul Skenes and outfield Dylan Crews for helping him along throughout the entire 2023 season.

“I think with Paul, he has helped me out I think probably more than he knows,” Hurd said. “I live with him, and we talk all the time about baseball mindset. I just try to learn from him every day. It’s really special to be around him.

“Same with Dylan. Right next to him in the locker and I live with Paul. I’m just super thankful I’ve got to share the field with those guys all year, and it’s special. Just trying to soak it in, you know.”

Now, Hurd and the rest of the LSU Tigers have to put it all together Saturday in Game 1 of the first round of the College World Series against Tennessee. 

First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET in Omaha.