Christian Moore on comeback victory over Florida State in Game 1 of CWS: 'I'm kinda speechless'

Christian Moore had a historic performance on Friday evening against the Florida State Seminoles, recording the first cycle in the College World Series since 1956 (Jerry Tindall). His unforgettable performance played a critical role in propelling the Volunteers to an unbelievable comeback victory in the bottom of the ninth inning. Coming into the bottom of the ninth, the Vols trailed the ‘Noles by three runs (11-8), but they found a way to prevail in a 12-11 thriller.

Following the win, Moore spoke with ESPN’s Kris Budden on the field. Entering the bottom of the ninth inning, the Volunteers trailed FSU 11-8. But they battled back. Tennessee’s Dylan Dreiling was the hero, drilling the walk-off single to bring in the final two runs for the Vols, lifting them to a 12-11 victory.

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What did Moore think when Dreiling blasted his game-winning shot into the outfield?

“As soon as it went out, needed to get down. As soon as I saw it go, I ran out there and I kinda blacked out. It took us a lot of at bats. I mean, I just had a whole lot of confidence in him to go out there and do what he always does. And that’s what he did. I wouldn’t want to be up there in that situation,” Moore said.

Christian Moore had no idea that he had hit for the cycle. And you could tell it by his reaction in the dugout once his teammates told him. “I was just so locked in and eager to win. Ready to just get the next at bat. It was just great man. It’s just a blessing to be in this situation,” the slugger explained.

What does the moment feel for him like right now after hitting for the cycle in the College World Series?

“It’s surreal. I’m kinda speechless. A lot going on right now. Just walked off in Omaha. So, I don’t know. I guess I’ll soak it all in when I get back to the hotel. For right now, I’m just speechless,” Moore explained.

With the win, Tennessee now advances to the winner’s bracket in the 2024 College World Series. It was the second walk-off win of the day in Omaha. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Virginia Cavaliers 3-2 in walk-off fashion in the first matchup on Friday evening.