LSU Advances to College World Series Final with Tommy White’s Dramatic Walk-Off Homer

June 23 (UPI) — In a remarkable display of skill and athleticism, Tommy White, a sophomore for LSU, delivered an extraordinary performance by hitting a walk-off home run to secure a place for his team in the College World Series finale. The game took place at Charles Schwab Field, and White’s two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning sealed a 2-0 victory over the top-ranked Wake Forest on Thursday in Omaha. This triumph came after LSU defeated Wake Forest 5-2 on Wednesday and lost to them on Monday in the tournament’s double-elimination round.

When asked about his game-winning hit, White expressed his high confidence and excitement, stating, “I was super confident, just doing my deal. I was very amped up.”

LSU, with a record of 52-16, will face off against the formidable No. 2 Florida team in Game 1 of the best-of-three College World Series finale on Saturday in Omaha. Game 2 will take place on Sunday at Charles Schwab Field, and if necessary, Game 3 will occur on Monday at the same venue.

Florida (53-15) secured their spot in the finale by defeating No. 17 TCU (44-24) in a tight 3-2 battle on Wednesday in Omaha.

LSU manager Jay Johnson praised both teams for their exceptional performance in Thursday’s game, commenting, “That was the best-pitched college baseball game I’ve ever seen from both sides. What Paul Skenes did was spectacular. What Thatcher Hurd did was spectacular. Hat-tip to coach Tom Walter and Wake Forest. We just slayed a giant.”

Skenes, the starting pitcher for LSU, showcased his skill by allowing only two hits and delivering nine strikeouts and one walk throughout the first eight innings of the game. Hurd, the reliever, continued the dominant display by allowing just one hit in the final three innings, preventing the Demon Deacons from scoring.

Rhett Lowder, the starting pitcher for Wake Forest, also performed exceptionally well, conceding only two hits in seven shutout innings. Michel Massey, the relief pitcher, entered the game in the eighth and remained superb, holding off the Tigers until the 11th inning when Dylan Crews singled to lead off the frame.

At that moment, Camden Minacci replaced Massey on the mound and attempted to throw a slider towards the outside corner of the plate. Sensing the opportunity, White swung his bat with precision and power, sending the ball over the left field fence and securing the Tigers’ victory.

In addition to his game-winning heroics, White contributed two hits, two RBIs, a run scored, and a walk to aid the Tigers in their triumph. Crews also played an important role with two hits of his own.

The game featured some of the most promising prospects in the 2023 MLB Draft class, such as Crews (No. 1), Skenes (No. 2), and Lowder (No. 8). Florida’s roster also boasted several top prospects including outfielder Wyatt Langford (No. 3) and pitchers Hurston Waldrep (No. 20) and Brandon Sproat (No. 79).

Make sure to catch Game 1 of the College World Series finale, airing at 7 p.m. EDT on Saturday on ESPN. Game 2 will follow at 3 p.m. on Sunday, both on the same network. If necessary, Game 3 will start at 7 p.m. in Omaha.

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