Jay Johnson raves about Tre Morgan's impact

The LSU Tigers are on their way to the College World Series Final to take on the Florida Gators. But the Tigers would not have made it this far without the spectacular play by first baseman Tre’ Morgan in their Thursday victory over Wake Forest. Following the Tigers’ 2-0 walk-off win against the Demon Deacons, head coach Jay Johnson could not help but rave over the impact of Morgan’s play.

“If I gave you a full answer, we might be here all day. I think, as I’ve said before, throughout the year, and rightfully so, he’s one of the best competitors that I’ve ever coached,” said Johnson. “And just his will to win, his will to succeed, come through for our team when we need him the most is really next level.

“And I think it starts there; great parents, was raised incredibly well. I think the maturation process, if you will, that I’ve seen is that he’s become a leader on our team. And getting to spend these two years with him, it’s been really fun to see that evolution and hear him speak here in Omaha about his teammates and what we’re trying to do and how we’re trying to do it.”

Morgan’s ability to get on base and his defense have been tremendous for LSU this postseason. But in terms of his play-making ability, no play was more significant this season for the first baseman than his game and season-saving play in the top of the eighth inning. And Johnson also touched on Morgan’s athletic.

“And in terms of the play, nobody embodies that better than Tre’. And on top of that, he’s a phenomenal baseball player. Very rarely do you put that competitive character with the hand-eye coordination, the two-strike-hitting ability, defensive versatility, and all those things.

“Shortly after we’re done, a professional team is going to be very happy to have Tre’ Morgan.”

With one out and runners on the corners, Wake Forest attempted a bunt. And in most situations, that would have been good enough to score the runner from third. But Morgan had other plans. The first baseman took off from first as soon as contact was made, catching the ball on a hop in midair, and seamlessly tossed it to catcher Alex Milazzo to tag out the runner attempting to score from third.

Johnson has enjoyed the spectacular play of Morgan’s all postseason, but he will need it for two more wins. And if they can pull that off, the Tigers’ first baseman can head into the major leagues as a College World Series champion.