LSU Baseball Claims Division I National Championship with Dominant Win in Game 3 of College World Series Finals

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 baseball season, LSU lived up to their preseason expectations by capturing the Division I national championship. The Tigers clinched the title with an impressive 18-4 victory over Florida in the deciding Game 3 of the Men’s College World Series finals held in Omaha.

LSU entered the season as the consensus No. 1 team in all major polls, and they demonstrated their dominance by delivering a commanding performance in the championship-deciding game. The Tigers, determined to bounce back from a heavy defeat in Game 2, unleashed an offensive onslaught with 23 hits, overpowering their opponents.

After Florida’s Wyatt Langford’s early two-run home run gave them an initial lead, LSU swiftly turned the tables in the second inning, scoring six runs without relying on extra-base hits. The Tigers continued to build their advantage with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by a home run from left fielder Josh Pearson. The runs kept pouring in as LSU asserted their superiority.

Meanwhile, LSU’s starting pitcher, Thatcher Hurd, settled into a rhythm and provided the team with more innings than expected after a challenging first inning. Hurd delivered an impressive performance, pitching six innings, striking out seven batters while allowing only two runs. The substantial lead accumulated by LSU throughout Game 3 enabled head coach Jay Johnson to preserve ace right-hander Paul Skenes, who was available in relief but ultimately deemed unnecessary.

The outcome of the decisive game left both LSU and Florida with identical 54-17 records, highlighting the competitiveness of both teams throughout the season. While LSU celebrated their triumph, one downside emerged as catcher Alex Milazzo suffered a fractured shin while scoring a run in the fourth inning. Fortunately, it appears that Milazzo will not require surgery, providing some relief amidst the championship celebrations.

LSU’s national championship victory solidifies their status as the top team in collegiate baseball for the 2023 season. The team’s ability to meet and exceed preseason expectations showcases their exceptional talent and the leadership of Coach Johnson. As the dust settles on another memorable College World Series, LSU’s triumph will be etched in the annals of college baseball history.