The LSU Tigers secured the 2023 College World Series championship with a resounding 18-4 victory over the Florida Gators in Game 3. This win marks LSU's first national title since 2009 and comes after a dramatic series that saw Florida force a decisive game with a record-breaking 24-4 win in Game 2.

Despite suffering the worst defeat in College World Series history in Game 2, the Tigers (54-17) showed remarkable resilience, overcoming elimination three times in the tournament to clinch their seventh national title. This impressive feat places them second only to Southern California, who hold 12 championships.

LSU faced an early 2-0 deficit in Game 3 but responded with a powerful six-run second inning. Their offensive dominance continued throughout the game, culminating in a 14-run victory margin, the largest ever in a CWS final. The Tigers' 24 hits set a new CWS record for a single game, and their 18 runs marked the highest total in a title game since USC's 21-14 triumph over Arizona State in 1998.

LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd (8-3) played a crucial role in the victory, effectively shutting down the Gators' offense after allowing a two-run homer in the first inning. Hurd retired 18 of the next 21 batters he faced, allowing no further hits or runs. Riley Cooper and Gavin Guidry combined to complete the five-hitter for the Tigers.

Although LSU's ace pitcher, Paul Skenes, did not play in the final game, his contributions throughout the tournament earned him the Most Outstanding Player award. Skenes had thrown a combined 243 pitches over 15 2/3 innings in his two previous appearances. While he was available in the bullpen, LSU's dominant performance rendered his services unnecessary.

Three key offseason transfers played instrumental roles in LSU's championship run. Skenes became the first college pitcher in 12 years to record 200 strikeouts and is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming amateur draft. Tommy White hit 24 home runs and led the nation with 105 RBIs. Thatcher Hurd's consistent performance as both a starter and reliever proved invaluable.

After being ranked No. 1 in preseason polls, LSU briefly lost their top spot to Wake Forest in early May. However, they finished the season strong as the No. 5 national seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their dominant performances in the regionals and super regionals secured their place in Omaha for the first time since 2017.

LSU's victory marks the fourth consecutive national championship for the SEC, following wins by Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Vanderbilt. Despite winning the SEC regular-season title and setting school records for wins and home runs, Florida (54-17) couldn't maintain their momentum from Game 2 into the final matchup.