A year ago, Derek Curiel could’ve chosen a different path. An MLB team would’ve drafted the prodigious outfielder, then given him time to sharpen his eye and strengthen his swing.

That route, had Curiel decided to take it, would’ve left LSU baseball without a player who’s now grown into one of its most important contributors. On Monday, coach Jay Johnson called the former top prospect the “engine” of the Tigers’ offense. On Saturday, the freshman proved that he fit that description, using his bat to power LSU’s 16-9 NCAA super-regional win over West Virginia.

“He's just a special player,” junior slugger Jared Jones said. “Really slows down the game, doesn't try to do too much and stays within himself. He hadn't really needed (help) much, to be honest with you. He's been pretty st

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