LSU demolishes Florida to win College World Series title

*Photo from Sporting News*

   Geaux Tigers Geaux. In game 3 of the College World Series Final, the LSU Tigers stomped the Florida Gators, winning the deciding game 18-4 to secure the College World Series title for LSU on Monday night in Omaha.

   In game two, LSU lost 24-4 to Florida, thus forcing the decisive game 3. LSU also lost to Florida in the finals of the 2017 College World Series. Now, it's LSU on top, hanging 18 runs on the Gators to win their 7th national title in program history and first since 2009.

   Florida actually started the scoring, taking a 2-0 lead in the first thanks to Wyatt Langford hitting a two run home run. LSU then responded with a 6 run second inning to take control of the game for good, forcing Florida starter Jac Caglianone out of the game after just 1 1/3 innings. LSU then scored 4 runs in the 4th inning, one in the 7th, 3 in the 8th, and 4 in the 9th to put it well out of reach.

   On the game, the LSU offense had 24 hits, a season best for the Tigers. The 18 runs scored are tied for second most this season, trailing only the 26 runs they hung on Central Connecticut State. Catcher Alex Milazzo, who left the game with a fractured shin, was the only LSU starter without an RBI.

   LSU brought in Thatcher Hurd, Tommy White, and Paul Skenes through the transfer portal in the offseason. They delivered all season long and in the postseason. White's walk off home run in the semifinals clinched their spot in the finals, Skenes is a top selection in the upcoming MLB draft, and Hurd started the final game for the Tigers.

   Dylan Crews, another soon to be top 5 selection alongside Skenes, went 4-6 in the title game with an RBI and 3 runs scored. Brayden Jobert paced the LSU offense with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. White went 4-7 at the plate and drove in 3 runs, joining Jordan Thompson and Jobert with 3 RBI games at the plate.

   Hurd pitched the first 6 innings for LSU, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk, striking out 7 hitters. Riley Cooper allowed a run in the 7th, his only inning of work. Gavin Guidry allowed a run in two innings pitched, recording the final 6 outs of the title clinching win.

   Caglianone was forced out after 6 runs in 1 1/3 innings for Florida. Cade Fisher pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings before Ryan Slater allowed 4 runs in one inning. Tyler Nesbitt allowed one run in 3 innings, Blake Purnell allowed 6 in 1 1/3 innings, and Fisher Jameson allowed one in one inning.