Tom Walter breaks down thought process behind scratching Nick Kurtz

Before LSU and Wake Forest got underway in a crucial elimination game, some bad news came from the Demon Deacon bugout. Star first basemen Nick Kurtz was scratched from the lineup, still dealing with a rib injury suffered against Alabama in the Super Regional. Despite previously being able to play, the pain was too much on Thursday night.

Head coach Tom Walter broke down the decision while speaking to ESPN’s Kris Budden during a midgame interview. Walter said Kurtz is heartbroken but not everything is lost. Kurtz could still be available at some point in the game, maybe appearing as a pinch hitter.

“He couldn’t rotate,” Walter said. “The young man is heartbroken and I am heartbroken for him. He was in tears wanting to be in this game today and help his teammates. But who knows — maybe we’ll get to him late in this game.”

The power of Kurtz is being missed early on, especially going up against LSU ace Paul Skenes. He has 24 home runs on the year plus 69 RBIs. Kurtz would have been a real threat for Wake Forest at the top of the lineup. Instead, he is in the dugout, watching and supporting his teammates.

Tom Walter breaks down pitching duel

Heading into the game, the storyline was an obvious one. The pitching matchup between Rhett Lowder and Paul Skenes was going to be one for the ages. Two of the best pitchers in all of college baseball facing off in the biggest game of the season thus far was going to be fun.

So far, it’s delivered. Lowder, in particular, has been steamrolling through LSU batters. There was never a doubt on whether or not Lowder was going to be on the mound. Walter never really had an option.

“Well, he wanted to the ball,” Walter said. “There was nothing we could say or do to keep him from pitching today. He’s our guy.”

As for the other side, Walter is just looking to ride the wave. If Wake Forest can continue to battle, the pitch count will continue to go up. And then the Demon Deacons can pounce once Skenes is pulled from the game, getting to the LSU bullpen.

“We just got to battle,” Walter said. “We’ve gotten into some good counts and taken some good swings. He’s obviously really good. Just got to keep fighting and get his pitch count up.”