WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - The LSU Tigers begin NCAA regional play tonight against UL-Monroe. First pitch is set for 7:07 from Alex Box Stadium.

LSU has the highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (123-47, .724), and the Tigers are appearing in the NCAA Tournament for the 25th time. LSU has a 77-19 mark in regional games, an 11-8 record in super regional games and a 35-20 mark in the College World Series. The Tigers have won 18 regional titles, five super regional titles and six College World Series championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009).

LSU claimed the 2012 SEC championship by winning two of three games at South Carolina May 18-19. The conference crown was the second in the past four seasons under coach Paul Mainieri. LSU also claimed the 2012 SEC Western Division title, the Tigers' third division crown in the past five seasons under Mainieri.

Mainieri, who directed LSU to the 2009 national championship, said his club is looking forward to the start of NCAA postseason play.

"This is a fun time for us," Mainieri said. "I know what the expectations are here at LSU, and they're through the roof. Omaha or bust. When you get to the postseason, I think it's fun. It's a tremendous reward for these kids. I don't think that people truly understand the time commitment and sacrifices that these kids make on a daily basis."

Mainieri said that freshman right-hander Aaron Nola (6-4, 3.93 ERA) will start Friday's game on the mound for LSU.

I believe in Aaron so much," Mainieri said. "He's a player that has that great arm, he's a great athlete and he has the ability to throw strikes. There's something different about him that makes him a winner. I know that he will emerge in the biggest games. I've never looked at Aaron as if he was a freshman. He's been around this field for so many years watching his brother (shortstop Austin Nola), he's been in the stands and he's been in Omaha. It's as though he's not truly a freshman. He knows what it takes here, because he's seen it."

UL-Monroe coach Jeff Schexnaider will counter on Friday night with junior left-hander Randy Zeigler (5-6, 3.65 ERA).