LSU fans show support with 'Jordan Thompson: Tiger 4 Life' sign ahead of CWS Game 3

LSU‘s Game 2 College World Series loss was a tough one for the Tigers, losing in historic fashion to the Florida Gators 24-4 to force a winner-take-all final for the national title on Monday. But the game was likely the toughest on LSU shortstop Jordan Thomson.

Thomson already entered the game with a postseason slump at the plate, not recording a single hit since the Tigers’ first game of the College World Series versus Tennessee. But on top of his six-game hitless streak, Thompson also had a pair of costly errors while fielding that directly resulted in a handful of the many Gator runs on the day.

But despite his struggles, LSU’s fans are still showing strong support for Thompson ahead of the season finale. Before the game in Omaha, Tiger fans were spotted holding up a sign that read ‘JORDAN THOMPSON: LSU TIGER 4 LIFE’ in a heartwarming gesture that can be seen below.

. @LSUbaseball #LSU pic.twitter.com/ppWFx8e84d

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) June 26, 2023

LSU’s fans have made their presence felt for the entirety of the College World Series, famously breaking the Rocco’s Jell-O Shot Challenge record this year and bringing tons of energy to each of their matchups.

But their support of Thompson before the game showed their softer side, and may be just the vote of confidence he needs to bounce back in the team’s biggest game of the season.

LSU and Florida will square off for all the marbles in the final game of the College World Series Monday at 7 p.m ET airing on ESPN.

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.”

On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this report