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LSU fan attempts to hug Paul Skenes before run-in with CWS security

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•06/23/23•

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Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes (Icon Sportswire / Contributor PhotoG/Getty Images)

LSU fans were understandably excited after Thursday night’s thrilling victory over Wake Forest to advance to the College World Series finals. One member of the Tiger faithful, however, might have been too excited — and security had to go to work.

A fan ran up to star pitcher Paul Skenes and attempted to hug him after the 2-0 win in extra innings. Some people around him pushed the fan away and toward the security guards, who escorted her off the field.

WBRZ Sports captured the moment.

Skenes, just as he’s done all year, spun a gem on the mound for LSU. He through eight shutout innings, striking out nine Wake Forest hitters and allowing just two hits. The game went to extra innings, though, so he didn’t get the win.

LSU got the victory, though, thanks to the heroics of Tommy White. His two-run home run in the bottom of the 11th not only scored the first runs of the game for either team, but propelled the Tigers to the championship series. They now have to take on another SEC opponent in Florida, which knocked off TCU in the semifinals earlier in the week.

Like many who were cheering for LSU, White’s heart rate was sky-high after his home run. How fast was it beating?

“A thousand, million, miles an hour,” he told ESPN’s Kris Budden. “I don’t know. I’m gassed.”

Skenes also some history in the game. He notched his 203rd strikeout, meaning he broke Ben McDonald’s 34-year record for most in a season in SEC history. McDonald reacted to the moment via Twitter.

Then, he opened up about what it means to not only have a fellow Tiger break the record, but to have someone like Skenes — who’s said he plans to go back into the Air Force after his baseball career is done — sit alone atop the list.

“What makes it easier for me is it’s an LSU guy that’s doing it,” said McDonald, who’s now the TV color commentator for the Baltimore Orioles. “It stays in the family. … I don’t know if we’re going to see another Paul Skenes. It held for 34 years. It may be another 34 years or so before that record’s even approached again. I’m happy for Paul.

“Look, if it had to go down, I’m glad it went down A, to an LSU kid, B, to a kid like Paul Skenes, who — it’s almost too good to be real, if you will. It’s a military dude that respects the game, that respects his country, that appreciates the red, white and blue. Says he’s going to go back to the Air Force when his baseball career is over. He wants to serve in some capacity. He’s just a first-class, top-notch dude. And all those things make it a lot easier to swallow.”