LSU defeats Milwaukee 5-3 in series clincher as Cooper Moore strikes out 11 batters
Game two tightens after LSU’s high-scoring opener
LSU secured its opening weekend series against the Milwaukee Panthers with a 5-3 win Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge. The result moved LSU to 2-0 on the season and dropped Milwaukee to 0-2.
After the teams combined for 21 runs in the season opener a day earlier, game two shifted into a lower-scoring contest defined by starting pitching and late scoring. LSU led 2-1 after four innings before adding three runs in the eighth to create separation. Milwaukee scored twice in the ninth but left the potential tying run on base when the game ended.
Moore’s debut sets tone on the mound
LSU starter Cooper Moore worked six innings and struck out a career-high 11, issuing no walks while allowing one run on four hits. Moore threw 76 pitches, including 61 strikes, in his first start for LSU after transferring from Kansas.
Milwaukee starter Aric Ehmke matched up effectively through seven innings, holding LSU’s offense in check for much of the afternoon. He was charged with two runs (one earned) on four hits, with two walks and three strikeouts.
How the scoring unfolded
Third inning: LSU took a 2-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Derek Curiel and an RBI single by Jake Brown.
Fourth inning: Milwaukee cut the margin to 2-1 on a solo home run by Bradyn Horn.
Eighth inning: LSU extended the lead to 5-1 on a two-run double by Steven Milam and an RBI double from Cade Arrambide.
Ninth inning: Milwaukee scored two runs to make it 5-3, but LSU recorded the final out with two runners aboard.
Late leverage and the final outs
LSU’s bullpen protected a one-run lead into the late innings, and the eighth-inning extra-base hits provided the cushion that proved decisive. Grant Fontenot finished the game to record the first save of his LSU career, closing out Milwaukee’s ninth-inning rally.
The three-game series was scheduled to conclude Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, in Baton Rouge.