LSU baseball transfer makes strong first impression in Baton Rouge

LSU baseball head coach Jay Johnson gave insight about transfer infielder Zach Yorke and expanded on their relationship before the senior headed to Baton Rouge.

"I was impressed with Zach before he was actually here. I've known his family for several years. I recruited his brother at Arizona," Johnson said. "Because of that connection from many years ago, always paid attention to him and his career. [I] probably would have also recruited him there had I stayed at Arizona as opposed to come to LSU."

Yorke joins the Tigers after three seasons at Grand Canyon, where he batted .328. He holds program records with 32 home runs and 157 RBI. Last season, he started almost every game at first base and added four appearances as the designated hitter.

"He has plenty of power in the thing that grabs everybody's attention, but he doesn't have to sell out to hit with power," Johnson said. "I think that allows you to make a really positive contribution to no matter what type of game you play."

Yorke's ability to make the jump to the power four level relies on his ability to come through at the plate no matter the situation, according to Johnson. He believes Yorke's power and patience at the plate will work well in this year's lineup.

"Tremendous strike zone discipline. Tremendous contact skills. You put all that together, you have a really good hitter. He's the exact perfect hitter for us to bring in with the corresponding pieces with this team," Johnson said.

LSU has a lot of production to replace and the Tigers are hoping Yorke can fill a key spot in the lineup. Jared Jones was LSU's starting first baseman for the last two seasons -- he's now in the pros. Yorke will get the first crack at taking Jones' role.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU baseball transfer makes strong first impression in Baton Rouge