Omaha, Nebraska – LSU turned the tables on Florida, clinching their first national title in baseball since 2009 with a resounding 18-4 victory in the decisive third game of the College World Series finals. Just a day after suffering the heaviest defeat in Series history, LSU unleashed a powerful offensive display to secure their seventh championship, trailing only Southern California’s record of 12 titles.
Despite facing elimination multiple times in the bracket play, the Tigers rallied and rebounded from their devastating 24-4 loss in Game 2. Coach Jay Johnson credited the team’s collective effort, stating that everything fell into place as they claimed the championship.
Trailing 2-0 early in the game, LSU exploded with a remarkable six-run second inning against Jac Caglianone (7-4). The Tigers maintained their offensive onslaught, piling on runs until they surpassed the highest-scoring title game since USC’s 21-14 victory over Arizona State in 1998. The 14-run margin of victory set a new record for the largest in a final, while their 24 hits established a new mark for the most hits in a College World Series game.
Gators catcher BT Riopelle acknowledged that it simply wasn’t their day, as LSU’s dominance proved too much to overcome.
Thatcher Hurd (8-3) started the game for LSU and surrendered a two-run home run to Wyatt Langford in the first inning. However, Hurd quickly regained control and proceeded to retire 18 of the next 21 batters, not allowing any hits or runs during that stretch. In the seventh inning, Riley Cooper took over pitching duties and unfortunately gave up Ty Evans’ record-breaking fifth home run of the College World Series. Gavin Guidry then took the mound to complete the combined five-hit effort.
Following LSU’s crushing defeat in the previous game, there were discussions and speculations about whether the Tigers would bring back their ace, Paul Skenes, for a third start in Omaha. Skenes had already thrown an impressive total of 243 pitches over 15 2/3 innings in his previous two outstanding performances. Despite the considerations, it turned out that Skenes remained in the dugout, comfortably wearing his sneakers, as LSU’s offense exploded and Hurd continued to dominate on the mound. Skenes briefly went to the bullpen for some stretching during the seventh inning but returned to the dugout after the eighth. He stayed there until the game’s final moments when he and his teammates rushed the mound to celebrate after Guidry struck out Colby Halter, securing the victory and the championship for LSU.
Skenes, having showcased exceptional performances throughout the College World Series, was honored with the title of Most Outstanding Player. His remarkable contributions on the field, including his impressive pitch count and commanding presence, undoubtedly played a crucial role in LSU’s journey to securing the championship. Skenes’ outstanding abilities and instrumental role in his team’s success rightfully earned him the prestigious recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the CWS.
The boisterously partisan LSU crowd included notable figures such as Kim Mulkey, the coach of the national champion women’s basketball team, who also happens to be the mother of Kramer Robertson. Robertson had played as the team’s shortstop during the 2017 season when LSU reached the CWS finals but fell short against Florida.
The LSU Tigers had their sights set on a championship run since their initial team meeting in August of the previous year. Head coach Jay Johnson retained key players from their 2022 lineup, including Dylan Crews, who was recognized as the Southeastern Conference player of the year.
To elevate the team’s performance to a higher level, LSU also acquired three significant transfers. Paul Skenes emerged as an exceptional college pitcher, becoming the first in 12 years to record 200 strikeouts and potentially positioning himself as the top pick in the amateur draft. Tommy White showcased his power with 24 home runs and an impressive 105 runs batted in, leading the nation in that category. Additionally, Thatcher Hurd proved his versatility by excelling both as a starter and reliever, matching his longest outing of the year during the championship game, displaying his resolute performance when it mattered most.
LSU began the season as the consensus No. 1 team in the polls and held that position until the first week of May, when they were surpassed by Wake Forest. However, the Tigers finished the season strongly, earning the No. 5 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. They swept through the regionals and super regionals in Baton Rouge, securing their spot in Omaha for the first time since their runner-up finish six years prior.
By winning the championship, LSU became part of an impressive streak of four consecutive national champions from the Southeastern Conference, joining the ranks of Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt.
Dylan Crews, reflecting on the team’s victory, expressed his elation at fulfilling a dream he had since his freshman year and hoisting the championship trophy. He celebrated the team’s accomplishment and looked forward to adding another championship flag over LSU’s field, emphasizing the long and challenging journey they had endured to reach this pinnacle of success.
Florida, which had an impressive season with a record of 54-17, claimed the SEC regular-season title and earned the No. 2 national seed. The team also set school records for wins and home runs, contributing significantly to the overall home run count in the College World Series. However, despite their remarkable offensive performance, the Gators failed to sustain their momentum in the championship game.
Florida’s two-way star, Jac Caglianone, struggled with his command for the second consecutive start and was removed from the mound after just 1 1/3 innings. However, he remained in the game as the designated hitter.
LSU managed to score their first run when Jordan Thompson, who had been experiencing a hitting slump, singled in a run. The game was tied when Caglianone hit Cade Beloso with a pitch, marking the fifth hit batter in his 5 2/3 innings pitched in the College World Series. A walk to Crews put LSU in the lead. Cade Fisher entered the game as the reliever for Florida but gave up several RBI singles and a sacrifice fly, allowing LSU to extend their advantage.
The Tigers’ four-run fourth inning was highlighted by Josh Pearson’s fourth home run of the season, further solidifying their position in the game.
