In Omaha, Neb., Jared Poche’ tossed eight solid innings to become LSU’s all-time leader in wins as the Tigers avoided elimination by beating Florida State 7-4 Wednesday night at the College World Series.
LSU (50-18) moves on to meet Oregon State Friday – the Tigers need two wins over the Beavers (56-4) to win their side of the bracket and advance to the Championship Series. The Seminoles end their season at 46-23.
Poche’ allowed seven hits and four runs (three earned) with four strikeouts. Two of the runs came on solo homers by Quincy Nieporte and Cal Raleigh in the ninth, prompting the entrance of Zack Hess, who closed out FSU by striking out the side and walking one.
The Tigers scored five times in the second to take control. After Josh Smith singled in a run and Beau Jordan bunted in another, Jake Slaughter ripped a three-run homer to left to make it 5-0.
Zach Watson went 3 for 5 with a run and an RBI, and Anotine Duplantis added two hits, a run and an RBI for LSU. Each drove in runs as the Tigers expanded their lead to 7-2 in the top of the ninth.
Andrew Karp allowed three hits and struck out seven in 5.1 innings of scoreless relief for the Seminoles. Drew Mendoza went 2 for 4 with a solo homer.