LSU’s Louis Coleman was named SEC Pitcher of the Year, the league announced this morning. Paul Mainieri was named SEC Coach of the Year, and reliever Matty Ott shared Freshmen of the Year honors with Florida first baseman Preston Tucker. Coleman went 10-2 with a 2.99 ERA to lead the SEC in victories. He struck out 105 batters while walking only 19 in 90-plus innings. Mainieri led the Tigers to their 14th SEC title, their first regular-season crown since 2003. Ott led the SEC in saves with 12 to go along with a 2.18 ERA.
Coleman, Ott and designated hitter Blake Dean were voted to the All-SEC first team, and outfielder Ryan Schmipf and pitcher Anthony Ranaudo were chosen to the second team. Outfielder Mikie Mahtook and Ott were selected to the all-freshman team, and catcher Micah Gibbs was picked for the all-defensive team. Top-seeded LSU (41-15) opens SEC tournament play against eighth-seeded Vanderbilt (31-24) at 5 p.m. Wednesday in Hoover, Ala.
