FSU Baseball Advances to College World Series with Tibbs' Heroics
ICARO Media Group
In a thrilling matchup against UConn in Game 2 of the Tallahassee Super Regional, Florida State University (FSU) baseball team emerged victorious with a 10-8 win in 12 innings. The victory secured FSU's spot in the 2024 College World Series, marking their 24th appearance in program history and their first since 2019.
The star of the game was FSU's own slugger, Tibbs III, who showcased an outstanding performance with three home runs, including the game-winning blast in the 12th inning on a 1-0 count. Tibbs became the first Seminole since Stephen Cardullo in 2010 to hit three homers in a single game. He also set a new career high with five hits and tied a career high with six RBI.
The game started off with UConn taking an early 2-0 lead, but Tibbs quickly tied the game in the third inning with a two-run homer, his first of the postseason. He then gave FSU a 4-2 lead in the fifth inning with another two-run shot, which was followed by a solo home run from a teammate, extending FSU's lead to 5-2.
However, the Huskies fought back, hitting a two-run home run in the bottom of the fifth and taking the lead in the sixth inning with a three-run double. The back-and-forth affair continued, with FSU's own player hitting a game-tying home run in the eighth inning.
In the top of the ninth, FSU took an 8-7 lead after a timely hit. But UConn responded with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth, sending the game into extra innings.
It was in the 12th inning that Tibbs once again stepped up to the plate. With a runner on base, he crushed his third home run of the day, breaking the 8-8 tie and propelling FSU to a 10-8 victory. Tibbs' remarkable feat was the first time a Seminole had hit three home runs in a single game since 2010.
The stellar performance by FSU's pitching staff also played a crucial role in the team's victory. Arnold struck out nine batters in 5.1 innings, while another pitcher earned the win, working 3.2 innings and striking out three batters.
FSU's win not only secured their spot in the College World Series but also marked an impressive 24-win improvement from the previous season. The team has shown tremendous power at the plate throughout the season, hitting a total of 123 home runs, the third-highest tally in program history. They have also hit a home run in 15 consecutive games, the fourth-longest streak in school history.
FSU's next challenge will be the College World Series, where they will strive to bring home a championship title. With Tibbs' exceptional performance and the team's overall momentum, the Seminoles are poised to make a strong impact in the tournament.