It took longer than expected, but LSU made sure it didn't waste a historic outing from pitcher Ty Floyd on Saturday.
LSU starter Ty Floyd finishes with 17 strikeouts, setting a new SEC and LSU record for strikeouts in a Men's College World Series game.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 25, 2023
He also ties Arizona State's Ed Bane in 1972 for the most strikeouts in a 9-inning game in MCWS history. pic.twitter.com/Vqh2olB3Ub
Floyd tied a Men's College World Series record with 17 strikeouts, his final one against Jac Caglianone to end the eighth inning, and LSU eventually beat Florida 4-3 in 11 innings.
Put Ty Floyd's name in legend status! He has tied the NCAA Record for most strikeouts in nine innings with 17! #MCWS x ESPN / @LSUbaseball pic.twitter.com/ykQ8VJhp82
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 25, 2023
His masterful performance helped give LSU the record for most strikeouts in a College World Series.
With Ty Floyd's 15 K's (thru 7 IP) tonight, @LSUbaseball has 75 strikeouts in its 6th game of the 2023 CWS, a record in a single series.
— Todd Politz (@tpolitz) June 25, 2023
Previous record of 74 was held by Michigan (6 games, 2019) and Coastal Carolina (8 games, 2016). https://t.co/akqgPYLZFk
Even with Floyd mowing batters down at a historic rate, the Tigers couldn't knock out the Gators. LSU left 17 runners on base and finished 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
Florida led 3-2 entering the eighth when Tommy "Tanks" White blasted his second home run in as many games to tie the game. On Thursday, he hit a walk-off home run against Wake Forest to send LSU to the finals.
Florida nearly pulled out the win in the tenth when Wyatt Langford hit a missile to left field with a runner in scoring position. LSU outfielder Josh Pearson remained alert even after Floyd recorded most of the team's outs himself, making the defensive play of the game with a leaping grab.
WHAT. A. CATCH.#MCWS x ESPN / @LSUbaseball pic.twitter.com/dTrSMlCsUP
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 25, 2023
Cade Beloso ensured Floyd's performance wasn't in vain when he launched a solo home run in the 11th.
CADE BELOSO LEFT NO DOUBT ABOUT IT IN THE ELEVENTH pic.twitter.com/lphxTQch3g
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 25, 2023
LSU was propped up by a handful of standout performances but none more than Floyd's. His performance was acknowledged by several people online, including former LSU football player Ryan Clark and pitcher Ben McDonald.
TY
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) June 25, 2023
EFFING
FLOYD!!!!!!!!
Make yo money !!!! #LetsGeaux
This is such a good game!!! The @CWSOmaha has been off the hook this year! Ty Floyd
— Ben McDonald (@realbenmcdonald) June 25, 2023
Floyd also started for the Tigers in their first game against Wake Forest in Omaha and had 10 strikeouts in five innings, giving him 27 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched at the College World Series.
He did his part in LSU's quest for a seventh baseball national title. It will be up to everyone else to finish the job.
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