Dylan Crews says winning national title is 'the best feeling in the world'

LSU star center fielder Dylan Crews has been one of the best college baseball players over the past three season. His play has won him many individual awards over the years. Now, Crews has a national title to his name.

The Tigers throttled Florida, 18-4, in Game 3 of the Men’s College World Series on Monday to win its first national championship since 2009.

“Oh my gosh this is what I’ve dreamed about ever since I was a freshman,” Crews said on the field after winning the national title. “This moment right here, winning this trophy. The best feeling in the world. I can’t I can’t put words to it. We’re champions, baby. Bringing it back to LSU. Let’s go!”

Crews went for 4-for-6 during the game with a walk, three runs scored and an RBI.

All nine starters for the Tigers knocked at least one hit and scored at least one run in the game and all 11 hitters who came up to bat got on base at least once.

Crews was one of three players to have at least four hits along with third baseman Tommy White and right fielder Brandon Jobert.

“It’s been a long journey for us,” Crews said. “Dealt with with a lot of stuff and just to finally say that we’re national champions, I cannot wait to put another flag over at the field. It’s gonna be awesome.”

Thatcher Hurd pitched six excellent innings on the mound for LSU, who did not have to utilize the nation’s top pitcher Paul Skenes on three days rest.

Riley Cooper then threw an inning before Gavin Guidry closed out the final two innings for the Tigers.

LSU has now won seven Men’s College World Series championships in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009 and 2023. SEC schools have the last four national titles and five of the last six in total.

The Tigers, who entered the campaign as the preseason No. 1 team in the country, finished the year with a 52–16 record.

“This was the way it was supposed to go,” head coach Jay Johnson said directly after winning the championship. “Probably more impressive than winning the national championship is that these guys were national champions every single day from the first meeting until tonight.”

And that work certainly paid off as LSU capped off a run in the College World Series in which they had to endure the losers bracket, meaning that they had to win three games in three nights just to see Florida in the finals.

In the end, they’re the last team standing.