Josh Rivera blasts two-run homer to give Florida early lead over TCU in College World Series

Florida is taking on TCU in the College World Series on Wednesday, looking to cement its place in the championship series with a win. And star shortstop Josh Rivera gave the Gators some instant firepower to open the game.

With a runner on base, Rivera blasted a two-run home run over the left field wall to give the Gators a 2-0 lead.

His home run had a 30.5-degree launch angle and left the bat at 105 miles per hour, traveling 417 feet.

GOT IT STARTED 💥@GatorsBB x #MCWS on ESPN pic.twitter.com/6RYKH3uKld

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) June 21, 2023

It was the seventh home run for Florida in Omaha, with the length of Charles Schwab Field not proving to be much of a hindrance for the hard-hitting Florida lineup.

The meeting between Florida and TCU is the first in the College World Series, with Florida previously knocking off Virginia and Oral Roberts to emerge atop the winner’s bracket. TCU, meanwhile, has fought its way out of the loser’s bracket after falling to Oral Roberts in the opener in Omaha.

The Horned Frogs managed to knock off the Cavaliers first, then dispatched the Golden Eagles on Tuesday to send both teams home.

They knew it would be an uphill climb in the game against the Gators, with Florida’s pitching staff relatively fresh and TCU’s somewhat depleted. But TCU did opt to pitch ace Kole Klecker on shorter rest, a move that will bear watching as the game progresses.

After giving up the one home run, Klecker got out of the first inning without any further damage.

Due to the double elimination format at the College World Series prior to the championship series, TCU must beat Florida twice to advance. Florida needs to win just once to reach the championship series.

Though Florida has won twice to start its trip to Omaha, both wins have been quite nervy.

Florida rallied to beat Virginia in the ninth inning after trailing 5-3. A pair of solo home runs tied things up, then a sacrifice fly gave the Gators a 6-5 win.

The game against Oral Roberts was similarly exciting down the stretch.

Florida led 5-3 going into the ninth inning but surrendered one run and had runners at the corners with two outs before finally securing a flyout for the 5-4 win at the College World Series.