Tommy White solo blast ties LSU with Florida in eighth inning of Game 1 in College World Series final

Tommy White, LSU’s power-hitting third baseman, delivered the goods again at the College World Series on Saturday night. With a solo shot in the top of the eighth inning, White knotted up Game 1 of the championship series against Florida at three runs a piece.

After taking a quick lead in the first inning, LSU struggled to capitalize on frequent traffic on the bases. A 2-0 lead quickly became a 3-2 deficit.

And then White got a two-strike breaking ball that he clobbered to left field.

TOMMY TANKS TIES IT! ⚾️💣🐯 #MCWS pic.twitter.com/NPb86F4aa2

— The Comeback (@thecomeback) June 25, 2023

White hit the ball to nearly the same spot he hit a walk off, two-run shot against Wake Forest in the 11th inning on Thursday night.

His jack on Saturday didn’t have nearly the same consequence, though it was still an infusion of life for and LSU team running out of chances to tie the game. After he smashed his home run, Tre Morgan singled in the following at-bat and sent Florida to the bullpen for the second time on Saturday.

White put LSU in position for some late heroics from Cade Beloso

LSU has played long ball often in Game 1 of the championship series of the College World Series on Friday, and got another clutch home run in the top of the 11th inning. Locked in a tie game with Florida, designated hitter Cade Beloso filled the batters box to start the top of the 11th inning.

After taking a pitch, Beloso got a belt-high fastball and did not miss. His solo home run carried out easily to right field and LSU took a 4-3 lead headed into the bottom of the 11th inning with a chance to win the game.

As Beloso rounded the bases, he blew a little kiss to the fans.

ARE YOU SERIOUS @cade_beloso⁉️ 😱#MCWS x 🎥 ESPN / @LSUbaseball pic.twitter.com/sRMNqWl1L0

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 25, 2023

Beloso almost didn’t get a chance to smash his go-ahead home run, as Florida came very close to walking-off a win in the bottom of the 10th inning.

But a sterling defensive play with one out by Josh Pearson in left field saved the game for LSU.

Behind Pearson’s glove work and Beloso’s mash, LSU put itself in position to take Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series. It would come down to Florida’s ability to plate a run, or more than one, in the bottom of the inning.

After three batters went up and down in the bottom of the 11th, the Tigers moved a win away from the national championship.