Jay Johnson believes day off will 'work out well' for LSU

For the first time since beginning the College World Series, LSU was gifted a day off after advacing to the final series.

The short break allowed the Tigers just enough time to reset, admire the work they’ve put in thus far and get back to business for Saturday’s NCAA championship series against the Florida Gators.

“I’m way okay with having [Friday off]. That’s going to work out well for us,” LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said after Thursday’s walk-off win over Wake Forest. “I have faith in a lot of the guys. We have 12 on the roster, on the active roster for this thing. And they’ve all pitched in games that we’ve won this year and games that we’ve had success.

“And I think there’s a pathway for them if they execute to be successful. And it really doesn’t matter what I think or feel about it; we are where we are. We earned our way here the way that we did. And so now we have to go with how we’re set up.”

Before the Tigers were able to survive long enough to earn a day off, they ran the CWS gauntlet having played in five games in six days — including four games in as many days. They’ve had to overcome two teams during their journey, defeating Tennessee twice and taking two of three against the top-seeded Demon Deacons.

Of course, it’ll be the final day off for either team during the 2023 college baseball season. The CWS final begins on Saturday and will conclude on either Sunday or Monday, depending on how the wins are distributed.

LSU and Florida did not match up at all in 2023. In 10 SEC series, somehow the two championship series squads managed to avoid one another ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster matchup.

Florida, who is undefeated (3-0) in Omaha, has enjoyed their break since Wednesday after taking down Virginia, Oral Roberts and TCU in consecutive matchups. No losses mean their bracket was decided quicker — an in turn, more time to rest.

Coincidentelly, they won each of their three CWS games by one run. In one-run contests, LSU is 3-4 on the season. Florida is 5-2 in such games.

We’ll see whether their extended break bodes well for the Gators once the final series gets underway from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, or if LSU’s short turnaround is more preferable. The first pitch is set for 7 p.m. ET live on ESPN and ESPN+.