Florida takes lead on LSU with home run from BT Riopelle

Catcher BT Riopelle has come up big time and time again for Florida this postseason, and he did so once more Saturday in Game 1 of the College World Series Final against LSU. The Gators entered the bottom of the sixth inning tied at 2 with the Tigers when Riopelle stepped up to the plate with two outs.

He connected on the second pitch from Ty Floyd, sending it deep right field and over the fence for a home run. Riopelle celebrated as he rounded the bases with his tongue out before crossing home plate to give Florida a 3-2 lead, its first of the evening. You can view the moment below.

BT RIOPELLE WITH THE GO-AHEAD HR IN THE SIXTH 😤 #MCWS

Gators chomp back to take their first lead of the game!! pic.twitter.com/eKgafXL5Vz

— ESPN (@espn) June 25, 2023

The home run was the 18th this season for Riopelle and his fifth of the NCAA Tournament. He also had a homer in the Gators’ 6-5 victory over Virginia to open College World Series play.

Riopelle’s long ball was part of three unanswered runs for Florida after it fell behind 2-0 by the third inning. The Gators responded with a run in the bottom of the third to cut the deficit before Cade Kurland grounded out to second base to tie things up in the fifth.

Florida still held the 3-2 entering the eighth inning, but it wouldn’t last long. LSU third baseman Tommy White was second up to bat and drilled a ball to left field for a home run of his own to once again tie things up at 3. The Gators managed to get the next two outs after closer Brandon Neely entered the game, setting the stage for an exciting finish.

LSU comes back to beat Florida in extra innings

Neither team was able to close things out in the ninth inning as the game headed to extras. Then after another scoreless 10th inning, LSU got to work right away in the top of the 11th.

Cade Beloso stepped up to lead off the inning and connected with a fastball for a home run to left field. He even blew a kiss to the fans as he rounded the bases, but the game wasn’t over just yet. Florida went on to get the three outs needed and entered the bottom of the inning with one last chance to come back.

Unfortunately, the Gators went three up, three down as LSU hung on for the win. Riley Cooper struck out the final two batters to finish with the win after a record-tying 17-strikeout performance from starter Ty Floyd.

With the win, the Tigers are now just one more victory away from claiming their first College World Series title since 2009. Game 2 of action is set to begin at 3 p.m. ET Sunday on ESPN.