Report: Former UCLA pitcher Thatcher Hurd transferring to LSU

On3 imageby:Griffin McVeigh06/29/22

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After entering the NCAA Transfer Portal, former UCLA Bruins pitcher Thatcher Hurd has committed to the LSU Tigers, he told Kendall Rogers of D1 Baseball. A freshman this past season, Hurd made just nine appearances during his first season in college baseball due to injury.

“Former @UCLABaseball pitcher Thatcher Hurd informed @d1baseball that he has committed to @LSUbaseball,” Rogers said. “Jay Johnson lands another big-time arm. Also, it appears that his back is progressing very well. Big news for #GeauxTigers.”

Hurd last pitched on April 3 against Oregon, only throwing 0.1 innings. Only three of his appearances came against Pac-12 opponents, with most being midweek nonconference showdowns.

In total, the right-handed pitcher threw 34.0 innings with a 1.06 ERA and allowing just one home run.

Head coach Jay Johnson has been ruthless in bringing talent into the program and not just from a player perspective. He was able to pull Minnesota Twins pitching coach Wes Johnson out of the Major Leagues, proving he is not messing around in Baton Rouge.

When Hurd is able to get healthy, he will be a solid addition to the pitching staff for next season. LSU is gearing up to be a major threat in the SEC.

LSU Tigers continue success via transfer portal

LSU baseball has had quite the recent run in building their 2022-2023 roster. The Tigers landed two big-time transfers from the transfer portal — including one from an SEC rival.

Former Vanderbilt pitcher Christian Little and former NC State first baseman Tommy White both committed to LSU Friday afternoon, according to D1Baseball’s Kendall Rogers. Both players were highly sought-after in the portal and are huge additions for the Tigers.

White had a monster year as a freshman for NC State this season, hitting 27 home runs — a new NCAA record for most home runs by a freshman. He also batted .362 and drove in 74 runs to help the Wolfpack to a 36-21 overall record, including a 14-15 mark in ACC action. For his efforts, he was named ACC Freshman of the Year and was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist.

Little made 18 appearances for Vanderbilt in 2022, including three starts. He had a 3.72 ERA in 38.2 innings of work to go with 46 strikeouts and three saves. He also had a 1-2 record on the bump before entering the portal. As a group, the Commodores went 39-23 overall and 14-16 in SEC play this past season.