Cade Beloso breaks down his adjustment that led to go ahead home run

In two consecutive games, LSU has survived in the College World Series thanks to game-winning home runs in the 11th inning.

Tommy White was responsible for the walk-off home run to defeat Wake Forest and advance to the final series on Thursday. On Saturday against Florida, Cade Beloso knocked a solo shot out of the park in the top of the 11th inning. The defense closed things out in the bottom of the inning, earning the Tigers a 4-3 victory over the Gators.

Beloso, who faced Florida closer Brandon Neely twice in the final four innings of the game, was forced to make some adjustments at the plate after his poor first matchup against Neely. He explained what changed after the win, but not before giving the Florida closer the props he deserves.

“You’ve got to give credit to Brandon Neely first. He’s unbelievable. He’s one of the best pitchers in the country. And he has a great fastball,” Beloso said. “In my prior at-bat, he struck me out on three straight heaters. I figured he was going to go back to that. It was not pretty.

“And then the first pitch blew by me again. So I knew he was coming back with it; they weren’t going to switch anything up. Finally got one that I was supposed to swing at and put a good swing on it.”

Beloso, who was the designated hitter for Saturday, finished the matchup going 3-for-5 at the plate with two RBIs and a walk. His first RBI came off a single to left field in the first inning, which broke the Tigers onto the scoreboard. It would be the only RBI on the night that didn’t come off a home run for LSU.

LSU used the long ball to its advantage on three separate occasions during Saturday’s win. Aside from Beloso’s eventual game-winning solo home run, Gavin Dugas and Tommy White hit a pair of solo homers themselves in the second and eighth innings, respectively. White’s home run tied the game at three just ahead of extra innings en route to secure the win.

Now, the Tigers head into Sunday knowing they’re one victory away from bringing the NCAA Championship to Baton Rouge for the seventh time in program history, including their first since 2009.

The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET live on ESPN and ESPN+. Florida enters Sunday morning as a slight betting favorite (-120), according to Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under run total is set at 9.5.