Florida mascot mocks NC State after intentional walk of Jac Caglianone

Many teams have employed the strategy of intentionally walking Florida slugger Jac Caglianone this season, as NC State did Monday in a College World Series elimination game. That didn’t sit well with the Gators mascot, leading to a humorous moment in the ninth inning.

The Wolfpack already gave up a home run to Caglianone earlier in the game and weren’t taking any chances as they trailed 5-4. They opted to intentionally walk him to first base despite needing only one more out to send it to the bottom of the inning.

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The Florida mascot was then shown on camera giving two thumbs down and moving its arms like a chicken, calling out NC State for not having the confidence to pitch to Caglianone.

What the Gator Nation thinks about intentional walks for Jac Caglianone. pic.twitter.com/YxMiUk961b

— Thomas Goldkamp (@ThomasGoldkamp) June 17, 2024

It’s hard to blame the Wolfpack for their decision given the rate at which Caglianone has hit the ball throughout his career. He ranks second in the NCAA with 33 home runs this season and fifth overall with a .414 batting average. His homer on Monday marked the 74th of his career, tying him for the school record.

Ultimately, walking Caglianone worked out for NC State as it got the flyout on the very next batter. However, it would be Florida that ultimately got the last laugh as the Wolfpack went three up, three down in the bottom of the inning to drop the game.

Caglianone was intentionally walked twice Monday to bring his season total to 30. He also extended his on-base streak to 50 consecutive games.

With the win, Florida moves on to face the loser of Monday’s nightcap between Kentucky and Texas A&M in another elimination game at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

Jac Caglianone after CWS win: ‘There’s no quit in this team’

Caglianone’s three-run home run in the top of the second inning set the tone for the victory. He finished with a couple of walks — much to the dismay of the Florida faithful — while also making the start on the mound.

He also started at pitcher but only lasted through the first inning, but the bullpen carried his weight for the final eight innings while he went to work at the plate.

“Honestly, there’s no quit in this team. We just play for each other,” Caglianone said after the game. “That’s we’ve been doing this whole postseason and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”

As for the walks, Caglianone had nothing but great things to say about the NC State pitching staff.

“They’re a really talented team, all of their arms are really talented,” he said. “So, you know, just fighting in and out everyday, every AB, every pitch and take advantage of the opportunities that I do get.”

On3’s Barkley Truax contributed to this report.