Florida puts MCWS-record 24 runs on LSU, forces deciding Game 3 - ESPN

OMAHA, Neb. — Florida had been involved in more close games than any other team at the Men's College World Series this year.

That changed in a big way Sunday, when the Gators unleashed an offensive barrage of historic proportions.

Florida scored the most runs in a MCWS game and came up one short of the record for largest margin of victory in a 24-4 rout of LSU that forced a deciding Game 3 of the finals.

The Gators (54-16) hit six home runs on a windy day at Charles Schwab Field and pounded LSU (53-17) pitching for a MCWS record-tying 23 hits a day after Ty Floyd struck out 17 in the Tigers' 4-3, 11-inning win in Game 1.

«We did exactly what we said we were going to do — flush last night and come in today ready to play,» outfielder Wyatt Langford said. «The balls were falling for us today. And that's just kind of how it went.»

The teams play the final game of the Men's College World Series on Monday night, with the winner earning the national championship.

«Obviously we can't take any of these runs into tomorrow,» Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. «We'll have to reset, reboot. But awfully proud of the way they responded from last night's tough loss.»

LSU coach Jay Johnson said he and his players must quickly forget what happened Sunday.

«So we're going to stick to how we prepare and roll it out tomorrow and give it everything we have,» Johnson said. «One game for the national championship. I think coach O'Sullivan probably feels great about his team, as he should with the players they have.

»I feel great with my team, with the players we have."

Two-way star Jac Caglianone will pitch for the Gators. Johnson didn't announce a starter or comment on the availability of ace Paul Skenes, who has thrown 15⅔ innings over two