The Florida Gators came into Game 2 of the College Baseball World Series finals with their backs against the wall after dropping the first of the best-of-three series against LSU. Some teams would likely crumble under the pressure of a one-game deficit, but Florida responded in a huge way with a blowout victory to even the series.
It was actually LSU that came out of the gates hot offensively, jumping out to a 3-1 lead after the top of the third inning.
Florida then proceeded to answer back with six runs in the bottom half of the third. The Gators would never look back.
TY EVANS GRAND SLAM!
He keeps it just fair down the left field line, again.
7-3 Florida! ⚾️💣🐊 #MCWS https://t.co/rW0Ft5BixJ pic.twitter.com/jGzAb6Cy8U
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 25, 2023
Just about everyone got involved offensively for Florida, going on the break the game open and make it largely non-competitive. The Gators went on to hit six home runs and 23 hits, sending a clear message that this series is far from over with a 24-4 victory.
20 runs and 6 homers in Game 2 of the #MCWS Finals for Florida! ⚾️💣🐊 pic.twitter.com/TUES8ExGRB
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 25, 2023
Game 1 of the series was a close 4-3 victory for LSU, so this blowout win for Florida was certainly shocking for many fans to see.
FLORIDA FORCES GAME 3!
The Gators break a CWS record with 24 runs, and demolish LSU.
It sets up a winner-take-all game tomorrow night. What more could we ask for? pic.twitter.com/QvtI4cwuCz
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/VernFunquist/status/1673098114150850560
Florida won the SEC Championship for a reason.
LSU has gotten all the attention and media love- and I get it- great team, great story.
But the Gators are tremendous, too, and we saw it today.
— Neil W. Blackmon (@nwblackmon) June 25, 2023
LSU – Florida right now: pic.twitter.com/lyaW88RBSa
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) June 25, 2023
The bad news? Florida detonated on #LSU for the most runs in CWS history.
The good news? Tomorrow's game starts at 0-0, regardless … and the winner goes home with the natty. #GeauxTigers pic.twitter.com/FkpRKcFx1E
— WWL Radio (@WWLAMFM) June 25, 2023
Florida hasn’t had a three TD win against LSU since 2008
— Benjamin Wolk (@benjaminwolk) June 25, 2023
Florida’s offense broke a number of records with this win, recording the most runs, most home runs, and the largest win margin in a College Baseball World Series game. Their 23 hits also tied the record for most hits in a CBWS game.
Florida's bats put up some big numbers in their win over LSU in Game 2 of the MCWS.
– Most runs in any MCWS game (24)
– Most HR in a MCWS Finals game (6)
– Largest win margin in a MCWS Finals game (+20)
– Tied record for most hits in any MCWS game (23) pic.twitter.com/RYKvL9U7g0— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 25, 2023
The two teams will now compete in a winner take all game on Monday for a National Championship. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how LSU bounces back from this demoralizing loss.
One way that LSU could potentially slow down Florida’s talented offense on Monday is by letting star pitcher Paul Skenes take the mound. He is on only three days rest after starring in LSU’s win over Wake Forest on Thursday to make the College World Series final.
He has had a terrific season that put himself in the running to potentially be selected with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, so it has to be tempting to let him pitch if you are LSU.
