Jay Johnson defends Jordan Thompson amid criticism, says he will play in CWS Finals Game 3 vs. Florida

For LSU fans, there was absolutely nothing positive to talk about from Game 2 of the CWS Finals. Except for the fact that it’s over. Florida had a historic performance in which they shattered every record imaginable. And the best news for the Tigers’ baseball program is there’s one last chance for redemption remaining on Monday night in Game 3 of the CWS Finals. Following Game 2, LSU fans got some news on a player who has struggled mightily for them in Omaha. Tigers’ head coach Jay Johnson made sure to update everyone on shortstop Jordan Thompson and whether or not he’d be playing in Game 3. Despite his recent struggles in Omaha at the College World Series, the LSU head man had no doubts about his status heading into the biggest game of the season.

Jay Johnson had no doubts about Jordan Thompson playing

“He play tomorrow. There’s no question about it. He started every game for two years. He’s played very good shortstop this year,” Johson began in his postgame press conference on Sunday evening.

The LSU head coach then went into detail about the first mistake he made in Sunday’s game. “I think the simplicity of the first one is on a double play ball, we call it’s a sure man and then a quick man. The guy that fields the ball has to be sure he’s gonna catch it. And then feed it to the second baseman. And then let the second baseman be the person that’s quick. I think he came up too early trying to do too much,” Johnson continued. “Umm, you know they put some pressure on us. With first and second, nobody out. And so, that’s just a coaching point of staying and securing the first out.”

The Tigers’ head man then discussed the second mistake Thompson made. “And then on the second one, it’s just a case of trying to do too much. And you know, trying to wheel and backpick. I’m not really sure where he was throwing it to be honest with you,” said Johnson.

To finish off his comments, Johnson defended Thompson and how important he’s been to the LSU roster this season. “And yeah, I mean, I love Jordan. We wouldn’t be in the College World Series without Jordan and how he’s played this year. He’s had a tough, tough tournament offensively, but there’s been a lot of stories in the College World Series of guys struggle, struggle, struggle, and then get a big hit for you and make a big play for you. And I think he’s a great candidate for that.”

Game 3 will be the final game of the 2023 college baseball season and what a fitting ending it will be. A classic 2023 College World Series has come down to the final game to decide who wins the national crown between the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers. They’re two teams dripping with a jaw-dropping amount of future MLB talent.

LSU and Florida will take center stage in a winner-take-all Game 3 on Monday, June 26th. Game time for that one is set for 7:00 PM EST at Charles Schwab Field. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN. Let’s hope for yet another classic.