Jay Johnson reveals message from former LSU coach Skip Bertman ahead of College World Series

Skip Bertman helped build LSU baseball into a powerhouse in the 1990s, and now he is in Omaha as a spectator to watch the Tigers aim for their first College World Series title since 2009. Bertman met with current coach Jay Johnson and the LSU team before their first game Saturday against Tennessee to give them some advice.

So far it appears they listened, as the Tigers hold a 2-0 lead over the Vols in the bottom of the fourth inning. Johnson joined the ESPN broadcast in the middle of the inning to reveal the simple message Bertman had for the team.

“Be yourself,” Johnson said. “He was the best championship coach in this environment of all time. Our team emulates a lot of those teams. I know that’s something he’s really proud of.”

Bertman coached LSU from 1984-2001 and left as the winningest coach in program history with a 870-330-3 record. He led the team to seven SEC championships, 11 College World Series appearances and five CWS titles. He then became the school’s athletic director from 2001-08, hiring another coach that went on to win a CWS — Paul Mainieri.

Now Johnson will hope to join that group and has gotten off to a good start. The Tigers struck first in the second inning with a solo home run from Gavin Dugas. After that, Tre Morgan grounded out but drove in the second run in the third inning.

The Tigers will hope they can hold on to that lead with plenty of baseball still left to play, but Johnson — and likely Bertman too — is pleased with what he’s seen so far.

“Phenomenal,” Johnson said. “Great week of practice. Loose when we need to be loose. Focused when we need to be focused.”

Jay Johnson explains what it’s like to coach Paul Skenes

LSU pitcher Paul Skenes has also been a big part of the sound start for the Tigers. A projected top MLB Draft pick, Skenes has been fantastic all season long after transferring from Air Force.

That has carried over into this game against the Volunteers, as Skenes has yet to allow a run, giving up just three hits and striking out nine through six innings. His talent was on display early on as fans saw his fastball surpass 100 mph.

“Sign me up for that all the time,” Johnson said of his ace. “I think his stuff is amazing, but what’s underrated is the pitch execution and he’s executing at a high level.”

Entering his Saturday night start, Skenes had a 1.77 ERA to his name. Just 21 earned runs on the season for Skenes over 107 innings pitched, striking out 188 batters and walking just seven. Those are some special stats for anybody but especially when considering Skenes was a Friday night starter in the SEC on a weekly basis.