OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Florida had been involved in more close games than any other team at the 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 CWS 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 CWS 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 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 15 2/3 innings over two CWS starts and would be coming off three days’ rest if he were to pitch.

Florida came into Sunday having played in four of the CWS record-tying eight one-run games. The Gators had totaled 17 runs in those games before the offense broke loose.

Ty Evans and Caglianone each homered twice, with Evans' grand slam breaking things open early. Langford and BT Riopelle also went deep.

Florida's 24 runs broke Notre Dame's CWS record, set in a 23-2 win over Northern Colorado in 1957. The 20-run win over the Tigers ranks second to that game for largest margin.

The Gators hadn’t scored so many runs since a 28-5 win over Winthrop on March 3, 2019.

LSU hadn’t given up so many in any of its 245 NCAA Tournament games or in any game since a 28-2 loss to Alabama in 1997. The Tigers committed a season-high five errors that led to six unearned runs.

Asked if there was a point he felt the game was slipping away, LSU star Dylan Crews said, “Not really. I guess you could say when it got up to about 20 runs. But we felt like we were in it the whole time, honestly. We made some pretty remarkable comebacks in our career.”

Langford was 5 for 5 with six RBIs with two doubles and his homer.

Evans' shot down the left-field line off Nate Ackenhausen (3-1) tied it 1 in the second. His grand slam off Gavin Guidry in the third was a high fly that looked to be headed foul, but the 20-mph wind blowing left to right pushed it inside the left-field foul pole.

The Tigers should have been out of the third before Evans came to bat, but shortstop Jordan Thompson’s fielding error cost them a chance at a double play and kept going what became a six-run inning.

Langford connected in the fifth, and Caglianone followed with his nation-leading 32nd and 33rd homers.

Florida starter Hurston Waldrep, who had allowed two earned runs in 21 innings in the NCAA Tournament, went just 2 1/3. He walked six, hit two batters and allowed four hits in his shortest appearance of the season, not counting a start against Vanderbilt when he didn’t return after one inning because of a rain delay.

LSU did next to nothing against Florida relievers Blake Purnell (2-0) and Nick Ficarrotta. They combined to pitch 6 1/3 innings of three-hit relief.

“They don’t need a rah-rah speech tomorrow,” O'Sullivan said. “We’re playing a very good LSU team and the winner is going to have the opportunity to be national champion. Enjoy it tonight and wake up tomorrow and stay in our routine.”

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 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Florida had been involved in more close games than any other team at the 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 CWS 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 CWS 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 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 15 2/3 innings over two CWS starts and would be coming off three days’ rest if he were to pitch.Florida came into Sunday having played in four of the CWS record-tying eight one-run games. The Gators had totaled 17 runs in those games before the offense broke loose.Ty Evans and Caglianone each homered twice, with Evans' grand slam breaking things open early. Langford and BT Riopelle also went deep.Florida's 24 runs broke Notre Dame's CWS record, set in a 23-2 win over Northern Colorado in 1957. The 20-run win over the Tigers ranks second to that game for largest margin.The Gators hadn’t scored so many runs since a 28-5 win over Winthrop on March 3, 2019.LSU hadn’t given up so many in any of its 245 NCAA Tournament games or in any game since a 28-2 loss to Alabama in 1997. The Tigers committed a season-high five errors that led to six unearned runs.Asked if there was a point he felt the game was slipping away, LSU star Dylan Crews said, “Not really. I guess you could say when it got up to about 20 runs. But we felt like we were in it the whole time, honestly. We made some pretty remarkable comebacks in our career.”Langford was 5 for 5 with six RBIs with two doubles and his homer.Evans' shot down the left-field line off Nate Ackenhausen (3-1) tied it 1 in the second. His grand slam off Gavin Guidry in the third was a high fly that looked to be headed foul, but the 20-mph wind blowing left to right pushed it inside the left-field foul pole.The Tigers should have been out of the third before Evans came to bat, but shortstop Jordan Thompson’s fielding error cost them a chance at a double play and kept going what became a six-run inning.Langford connected in the fifth, and Caglianone followed with his nation-leading 32nd and 33rd homers.Florida starter Hurston Waldrep, who had allowed two earned runs in 21 innings in the NCAA Tournament, went just 2 1/3. He walked six, hit two batters and allowed four hits in his shortest appearance of the season, not counting a start against Vanderbilt when he didn’t return after one inning because of a rain delay.LSU did next to nothing against Florida relievers Blake Purnell (2-0) and Nick Ficarrotta. They combined to pitch 6 1/3 innings of three-hit relief.“They don’t need a rah-rah speech tomorrow,” O'Sullivan said. “We’re playing a very good LSU team and the winner is going to have the opportunity to be national champion. Enjoy it tonight and wake up tomorrow and stay in our routine.”

Gators force CWS winner-take-all final Monday with 24-4 win over LSU

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — LSU staved off elimination from the College World Series for a second time. And now the Tigers are right where they expected to be all along.

Cade Beloso hit a go-ahead three-run homer, freshman Griffin Herring pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in his longest outing and LSU forced a second bracket final with a 5-2 victory over No. 1 national seed Wake Forest on Wednesday night.

The winner of the rematch Thursday night will advance to play Florida in the best-of-three championship series that starts Saturday. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-world-series-ncaa-florida-tcu-627324d91acfba2178676164621832d4">Gators clinched a spot with a 3-2 win</a>&nbsp;over TCU.

“We expect to be playing important baseball in June,” Tigers coach Jay Johnson said. “We play every game like we’re playing important baseball in June. Like, the Tuesday on March 22nd against McNeese is a playoff game to us. The thought process behind that is if you do that all year long, then you can just stay in character when you get to the postseason.”

Wake Forest (54-11) will look to bounce back from its first loss in its eight NCAA Tournament games. The Demon Deacons, who have not lost consecutive games this season, are trying to reach the championship round in their first CWS appearance since the 1955 team won the national title.

“We'll come out ready to play tomorrow like we've done all year,” Wake Forest coach Tom Walter said. “We’ve responded to adversity all year. Tomorrow will be no different.”

LSU hopes to set up a rematch of the 2017 finals, which Florida won.

“It’s the same game we’ve been playing since February,” Beloso said. “We’re going to go out there, have fun, we’re going to compete to the best of our abilities and let the rest take care of itself. Everybody knows the scenario. But you don’t have to put any more pressure on yourself.”

The coaches didn't announce starting pitchers, but aces Paul Skenes of LSU and Rhett Lowder of Wake Forest were not ruled out.

The Deacons scored 75 runs and hit 19 homers in their first five NCAA Tournament games, all played at home. They have just eight runs — their fewest over three games since April 2021 — and one homer at Charles Schwab Field, where the wind has blown in for three days. They're batting .198 here, and leading hitter Nick Kurtz is 0 for 9 and Justin Johnson is 0 for 12.

“We play in a pretty small ballpark and the balls that usually go out there aren't going out here,” Pierce Bennett said. “We just need to adjust on keeping hard and low line drives. It’s hard to do. Hitting’s hard. You can’t really intentionally do that all the time. But just focusing in, zeroing in on just hitting line drives, finding the holes.”

The Tigers erased a 2-0 deficit in the third inning when Dylan Crews scored on a wild pitch to tie it and Beloso launched Seth Keener’s 2-0 offering into the right-field bullpen. As Beloso approached the plate, he pulled his helmet off, chest-bumped Gavin Dugas and slapped Tre’ Morgan’s arm — and then all three did cross-arm flexes in front of their celebrating dugout.

It was only the fourth homer surrendered by Keener in 69 innings this season.

Herring, who hadn't pitched since June 5 and had never gone more than three innings, steadied the Tigers after starter Javen Coleman and Blake Money combined to get just five outs.

The left-hander entered with LSU down two runs and held one of the country’s top offenses scoreless.

“Pure adrenaline,” Herring said. “This place is awesome. I think I kind of was able to feed off the adrenaline instead of letting it get to me, kind of like a steroid shot. Pretty cool.”

Johnson drew laughs when he interjected: “We’ll make sure adrenaline is not on the NCAA banned substance list.”

Herring allowed three hits, walked one and struck out six. He left with runners at the corners and one out in the sixth.

Gavin Guidry came on and struck out national home run co-leader Brock Wilken and Justin Johnson to end the threat. The Deacons got two runners on in the eighth before Riley Cooper, who shut out Tennessee over the last three innings Tuesday, got Tommy Hawke to line out.

Cooper, who earned his second save in as many nights and third of the season, worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth to strike out Nick Kurtz and Wilken and got Johnson to ground out to end the game and set up the winner-take-all bracket final.

“It’s just another game,” Bennett said. “Bottom line, we’ve been doing it all year. Haven’t lost a series all year. Knock on wood on that one.”

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — LSU staved off elimination from the College World Series for a second time. And now the Tigers are right where they expected to be all along.Cade Beloso hit a go-ahead three-run homer, freshman Griffin Herring pitched 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in his longest outing and LSU forced a second bracket final with a 5-2 victory over No. 1 national seed Wake Forest on Wednesday night.The winner of the rematch Thursday night will advance to play Florida in the best-of-three championship series that starts Saturday. The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/college-world-series-ncaa-florida-tcu-627324d91acfba2178676164621832d4">Gators clinched a spot with a 3-2 win</a>&nbsp;over TCU.“We expect to be playing important baseball in June,” Tigers coach Jay Johnson said. “We play every game like we’re playing important baseball in June. Like, the Tuesday on March 22nd against McNeese is a playoff game to us. The thought process behind that is if you do that all year long, then you can just stay in character when you get to the postseason.”Wake Forest (54-11) will look to bounce back from its first loss in its eight NCAA Tournament games. The Demon Deacons, who have not lost consecutive games this season, are trying to reach the championship round in their first CWS appearance since the 1955 team won the national title.“We'll come out ready to play tomorrow like we've done all year,” Wake Forest coach Tom Walter said. “We’ve responded to adversity all year. Tomorrow will be no different.”LSU hopes to set up a rematch of the 2017 finals, which Florida won.“It’s the same game we’ve been playing since February,” Beloso said. “We’re going to go out there, have fun, we’re going to compete to the best of our abilities and let the rest take care of itself. Everybody knows the scenario. But you don’t have to put any more pressure on yourself.”The coaches didn't announce starting pitchers, but aces Paul Skenes of LSU and Rhett Lowder of Wake Forest were not ruled out.The Deacons scored 75 runs and hit 19 homers in their first five NCAA Tournament games, all played at home. They have just eight runs — their fewest over three games since April 2021 — and one homer at Charles Schwab Field, where the wind has blown in for three days. They're batting .198 here, and leading hitter Nick Kurtz is 0 for 9 and Justin Johnson is 0 for 12.“We play in a pretty small ballpark and the balls that usually go out there aren't going out here,” Pierce Bennett said. “We just need to adjust on keeping hard and low line drives. It’s hard to do. Hitting’s hard. You can’t really intentionally do that all the time. But just focusing in, zeroing in on just hitting line drives, finding the holes.”The Tigers erased a 2-0 deficit in the third inning when Dylan Crews scored on a wild pitch to tie it and Beloso launched Seth Keener’s 2-0 offering into the right-field bullpen. As Beloso approached the plate, he pulled his helmet off, chest-bumped Gavin Dugas and slapped Tre’ Morgan’s arm — and then all three did cross-arm flexes in front of their celebrating dugout.It was only the fourth homer surrendered by Keener in 69 innings this season.Herring, who hadn't pitched since June 5 and had never gone more than three innings, steadied the Tigers after starter Javen Coleman and Blake Money combined to get just five outs.The left-hander entered with LSU down two runs and held one of the country’s top offenses scoreless.“Pure adrenaline,” Herring said. “This place is awesome. I think I kind of was able to feed off the adrenaline instead of letting it get to me, kind of like a steroid shot. Pretty cool.”Johnson drew laughs when he interjected: “We’ll make sure adrenaline is not on the NCAA banned substance list.”Herring allowed three hits, walked one and struck out six. He left with runners at the corners and one out in the sixth.Gavin Guidry came on and struck out national home run co-leader Brock Wilken and Justin Johnson to end the threat. The Deacons got two runners on in the eighth before Riley Cooper, who shut out Tennessee over the last three innings Tuesday, got Tommy Hawke to line out.Cooper, who earned his second save in as many nights and third of the season, worked around a leadoff walk in the ninth to strike out Nick Kurtz and Wilken and got Johnson to ground out to end the game and set up the winner-take-all bracket final.“It’s just another game,” Bennett said. “Bottom line, we’ve been doing it all year. Haven’t lost a series all year. Knock on wood on that one.”

LSU deals #1 Wake Forest first CSW loss to set up Thursday rematch

CINCINNATI (AP) — Jake Fraley hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Cincinnati Reds extended their majors-best winning streak to 11 games — the club's longest in 66 years — by rallying past the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.

Cincinnati, which trailed 3-0 after four innings, has its longest winning streak since taking 12 straight in 1957. The NL Central-leading Reds (40-35) have swept three straight three-game series and won five consecutive series overall.

“It is very inspiring to be around,” manager David Bell said. “It is happening in the clubhouse. It’s happening on the field, and what’s happening in the ballpark, our fans, it’s seeing them enjoy the game. It means a lot to us.”

Rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz hit a one-out bloop to left that fell for a double against Daniel Bard (3-1), and Fraley hit the next pitch over the wall in right. It was the Reds' majors-best 12th comeback win of the season and sent the Rockies to their season-worst eighth straight loss.

“It is fun when it's your turn, but I’d argue that it is just as fun watching other guys do it, too," said Fraley, whose homer was his ninth this season. "I think every guy in that clubhouse would say the same thing. I feel blessed to be a part of a team like this.”

Andrew Abbott — the first pitcher since the mound was moved to its current spot in 1893 to begin his career with three straight scoreless starts of more than five innings — allowed the first run of his career when Brenton Doyle led off with a homer.

But the rookie left-hander was solid from there, striking out a career-high 10 in six innings and giving up three runs, all on solo homers. Abbott struck out the side in the sixth.

“I didn’t feel bad. Guys are going to score off you,” Abbott said. “It’s bound to happen. The biggest thing for me was how do I respond when it does happen. There were three for me today. I tried to stay composed and tried to give my team five, six, maybe seven innings and we didn’t tax the bullpen any more.”

Abbott combined with Lucas Sims, Ian Gibaut and Buck Farmer to hold the Rockies scoreless after the fourth. Gibaut (8-1) pitched around a leadoff single in the eighth and Farmer worked the ninth for his second save in five tries. The Rockies struck out 15 times.

“I really liked our approach,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “We just couldn't get the barrel to the ball. Abbott's got a good arm and the bullpen and did a nice job.”

Doyle drove Abbott's 0-1 pitch to the right-field seats for his first homer since he hit two against Cincinnati on May 15 at Colorado. Abbott had begun his career with 17 2/3 scoreless innings.

Eiehuris Montero made it 2-0 when he connected in the second, his first homer since March 30. Randal Grichuk homered to left in the fourth, his first longball since May 7.

Cincinnati tied it in the fifth on Luke Maile's bases-loaded single and TJ Friedl's run-scoring single.

Colorado concluded a 10-day trip and gets Thursday off.

“It does come at a good time,” Black said. “Our guys have been playing hard and played with a lot energy. I think it comes as breather for the guys — get off their feet and exhale.”

Cincinnati’s three-run sixth ended when Jonathan India struck out looking and was called for batter’s interference for the third out as Friedl tried to steal second.

Rockies: RHP Connor Seybold’s scheduled start on Wednesday was pushed back due to a right triceps problem.

Reds: RHP Derek Law (right flexor mass strain) threw live batting practice on Wednesday and is expected to leave this weekend for a rehab assignment. ... RHP Casey Legumina (right shoulder pain) was placed on the 15-day injured list.

Rockies: LHP Kyle Freeland (4-8, 4.48 ERA) is Friday’s scheduled starter against the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a nine-game homestand.

Reds: RHP Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.47) is set to start Friday's opener of a three-game series against NL East-leading Atlanta.

CINCINNATI (AP) — Jake Fraley hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning and the Cincinnati Reds extended their majors-best winning streak to 11 games — the club's longest in 66 years — by rallying past the Colorado Rockies 5-3 on Wednesday for a three-game sweep.Cincinnati, which trailed 3-0 after four innings, has its longest winning streak since taking 12 straight in 1957. The NL Central-leading Reds (40-35) have swept three straight three-game series and won five consecutive series overall.“It is very inspiring to be around,” manager David Bell said. “It is happening in the clubhouse. It’s happening on the field, and what’s happening in the ballpark, our fans, it’s seeing them enjoy the game. It means a lot to us.”Rookie sensation Elly De La Cruz hit a one-out bloop to left that fell for a double against Daniel Bard (3-1), and Fraley hit the next pitch over the wall in right. It was the Reds' majors-best 12th comeback win of the season and sent the Rockies to their season-worst eighth straight loss.“It is fun when it's your turn, but I’d argue that it is just as fun watching other guys do it, too," said Fraley, whose homer was his ninth this season. "I think every guy in that clubhouse would say the same thing. I feel blessed to be a part of a team like this.”Andrew Abbott — the first pitcher since the mound was moved to its current spot in 1893 to begin his career with three straight scoreless starts of more than five innings — allowed the first run of his career when Brenton Doyle led off with a homer.But the rookie left-hander was solid from there, striking out a career-high 10 in six innings and giving up three runs, all on solo homers. Abbott struck out the side in the sixth.“I didn’t feel bad. Guys are going to score off you,” Abbott said. “It’s bound to happen. The biggest thing for me was how do I respond when it does happen. There were three for me today. I tried to stay composed and tried to give my team five, six, maybe seven innings and we didn’t tax the bullpen any more.”Abbott combined with Lucas Sims, Ian Gibaut and Buck Farmer to hold the Rockies scoreless after the fourth. Gibaut (8-1) pitched around a leadoff single in the eighth and Farmer worked the ninth for his second save in five tries. The Rockies struck out 15 times.“I really liked our approach,” Colorado manager Bud Black said. “We just couldn't get the barrel to the ball. Abbott's got a good arm and the bullpen and did a nice job.”Doyle drove Abbott's 0-1 pitch to the right-field seats for his first homer since he hit two against Cincinnati on May 15 at Colorado. Abbott had begun his career with 17 2/3 scoreless innings.Eiehuris Montero made it 2-0 when he connected in the second, his first homer since March 30. Randal Grichuk homered to left in the fourth, his first longball since May 7.Cincinnati tied it in the fifth on Luke Maile's bases-loaded single and TJ Friedl's run-scoring single.Colorado concluded a 10-day trip and gets Thursday off.“It does come at a good time,” Black said. “Our guys have been playing hard and played with a lot energy. I think it comes as breather for the guys — get off their feet and exhale.”ABRUPT ENDINGCincinnati’s three-run sixth ended when Jonathan India struck out looking and was called for batter’s interference for the third out as Friedl tried to steal second.TRAINER’S ROOMRockies: RHP Connor Seybold’s scheduled start on Wednesday was pushed back due to a right triceps problem.Reds: RHP Derek Law (right flexor mass strain) threw live batting practice on Wednesday and is expected to leave this weekend for a rehab assignment. ... RHP Casey Legumina (right shoulder pain) was placed on the 15-day injured list.UP NEXTRockies: LHP Kyle Freeland (4-8, 4.48 ERA) is Friday’s scheduled starter against the Los Angeles Angels in the opener of a nine-game homestand.Reds: RHP Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.47) is set to start Friday's opener of a three-game series against NL East-leading Atlanta.

Reds win 11th straight and sweep Rockies

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. --&nbsp;Chadron State College Head Track and Field Coach Seth Mischke will step down from his position, effective June 30. "Congratulations to Seth and his family," CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith said. "Seth helped advance our track program and left a foundation for the next coach to build on." After being hired in August of 2022, Chadron State throwers earned five All-America awards and four RMAC Championships during Mischke's lone season as head coach. Mischke played a vital part in the organization and planning of CSC hosting the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships on April 28-30. The event was the first track meet held on Chadron States new outdoor track facility. "We wish the Mischke's success in their next endeavor," Smith said. The process for finding a new head track and field coach at Chadron State is already underway&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. --&nbsp;Chadron State College Head Track and Field Coach Seth Mischke will step down from his position, effective June 30. "Congratulations to Seth and his family," CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith said. "Seth helped advance our track program and left a foundation for the next coach to build on." After being hired in August of 2022, Chadron State throwers earned five All-America awards and four RMAC Championships during Mischke's lone season as head coach. Mischke played a vital part in the organization and planning of CSC hosting the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Championships on April 28-30. The event was the first track meet held on Chadron States new outdoor track facility. "We wish the Mischke's success in their next endeavor," Smith said. The process for finding a new head track and field coach at Chadron State is already underway&nbsp;&nbsp;

CSC Track & Field head coach departing at end of June

(AP) Even as Jordy Bahl was on her way to becoming national freshman of the year at Oklahoma in 2022, her heart was back home.

The Papillion, Nebraska, native got a tattoo with the outline of Nebraska on her right arm during spring break that year. She said she was homesick and expected the feeling to change, but it never went away. After two standout seasons at Oklahoma, she decided to transfer and play for Nebraska.

“It was always important to me to represent Nebraska, even being away," she told media in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday. “I’ve always made it a point to be proud of being a Nebraskan. And I think part of being away for two years was good because if anything, just my love for this place and just the pride in representing it grew.”

She poured herself into her time at Oklahoma. Two seasons ago, she was the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-American. This past season, she had a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA and was a first-team NFCA All-American and a Top 10 finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. She threw 24 2/3 scoreless innings at this year’s Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player.

While pleased with her decision to move on, she still thinks about what she left.

“You come off of winning a national championship and going to (country singer) Toby Keith’s and hanging out with him afterwards, which was pretty cool," she said. “But then, you have to break it to your teammates and your coaches that you’ve decided to make the decision to come home, and so that was kind of sad. But once I got home and have started to settle in, unpack and everything, finally it’s just started to sink in that, you know, like, this is real.”

She originally committed to Nebraska before switching to Oklahoma. She said her younger self had some learning to do.

“At that point in my life, I wasn’t aware of how much I needed balance until you leave home and you’re seven hours away from everything that means so much more to you than the game itself," she said. “And then I realized I can’t love the game itself if I don’t have these other things in my life that I love so much. It’s just — everything gets out of whack.”

“I’m thankful that I went down to Oklahoma,” she said. "I learned a lot and I wouldn’t really change anything. I believe it all happens for a reason, and I had amazing opportunities down there and met some amazing people.”

Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle knew Bahl from camps and always thought she was special. She received the initial call from Bahl before the transfer.

“I don’t know how long we talked, maybe 15 minutes, but we didn’t talk about softball at all," she said. "It was really just a moment to reconnect. And I got to tell her that when she moved in a different direction (after her initial commitment), there was never one hard feeling from any of our staff. And that we have always been Jordy Bahl fans as a person first, as an athlete second, and that never wavered.”

Bahl wants next season to end in the same place it has the past two years.

“It would be so cool to see Nebraska in the College World Series and just make the run that I believe that this team can make,” she said.

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 </figure>(AP) Even as Jordy Bahl was on her way to becoming national freshman of the year at Oklahoma in 2022, her heart was back home.The Papillion, Nebraska, native got a tattoo with the outline of Nebraska on her right arm during spring break that year. She said she was homesick and expected the feeling to change, but it never went away. After two standout seasons at Oklahoma, she decided to transfer and play for Nebraska.“It was always important to me to represent Nebraska, even being away," she told media in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday. “I’ve always made it a point to be proud of being a Nebraskan. And I think part of being away for two years was good because if anything, just my love for this place and just the pride in representing it grew.”She poured herself into her time at Oklahoma. Two seasons ago, she was the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s Freshman of the Year and a first-team All-American. This past season, she had a 22-1 record and an 0.90 ERA and was a first-team NFCA All-American and a Top 10 finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. She threw 24 2/3 scoreless innings at this year’s Women’s College World Series and was named its Most Outstanding Player.While pleased with her decision to move on, she still thinks about what she left.“You come off of winning a national championship and going to (country singer) Toby Keith’s and hanging out with him afterwards, which was pretty cool," she said. “But then, you have to break it to your teammates and your coaches that you’ve decided to make the decision to come home, and so that was kind of sad. But once I got home and have started to settle in, unpack and everything, finally it’s just started to sink in that, you know, like, this is real.”She originally committed to Nebraska before switching to Oklahoma. She said her younger self had some learning to do.“At that point in my life, I wasn’t aware of how much I needed balance until you leave home and you’re seven hours away from everything that means so much more to you than the game itself," she said. “And then I realized I can’t love the game itself if I don’t have these other things in my life that I love so much. It’s just — everything gets out of whack.”Bahl said she has no regrets.“I’m thankful that I went down to Oklahoma,” she said. "I learned a lot and I wouldn’t really change anything. I believe it all happens for a reason, and I had amazing opportunities down there and met some amazing people.”Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle knew Bahl from camps and always thought she was special. She received the initial call from Bahl before the transfer.“I don’t know how long we talked, maybe 15 minutes, but we didn’t talk about softball at all," she said. "It was really just a moment to reconnect. And I got to tell her that when she moved in a different direction (after her initial commitment), there was never one hard feeling from any of our staff. And that we have always been Jordy Bahl fans as a person first, as an athlete second, and that never wavered.”Bahl wants next season to end in the same place it has the past two years.“It would be so cool to see Nebraska in the College World Series and just make the run that I believe that this team can make,” she said.

Jordy Bahl speaks on why she is coming home to the Huskers

BY: JOHN MURPHY CSC Sports Information Director

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. -- June 20, 2023 --&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/janet-raymer/524">Janet Raymer</a>&nbsp;will no longer be performing the duties as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Chadron State College, effective immediately, Athletic Director Joel Smith announced Tuesday. &nbsp; "I want to thank Janet for her service," Smith said. "I wish her success in her future endeavors." Raymer coached the Eagles for seven years, compiling a record of 35-145. In 2022-23, the Eagles finished 4-24 overall and 4-18 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. &nbsp; Raymer coached three all-conference players during her time at CSC, including Shay Powers, who was named first team all-conference this past season. Kalli Feddersen received second team honors in both 2016-17 and 2017-18. &nbsp; A total of 43 student-athletes received RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll honors during Raymer's tenure. The women's basketball team finished in the top half of the conference for team GPA during each of the past seven seasons. &nbsp; Raymer, a Hay Springs native, played two seasons on the women's basketball team at Chadron State. She also served as an assistant coach before becoming head coach. &nbsp; A national search for CSC's next head women's basketball coach will begin immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687313698366.png" alt="Janet Raymer" />
 <figcaption>Janet Raymer</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: JOHN MURPHY CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. -- June 20, 2023 --&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/coaches/janet-raymer/524">Janet Raymer</a>&nbsp;will no longer be performing the duties as the Head Women's Basketball Coach at Chadron State College, effective immediately, Athletic Director Joel Smith announced Tuesday. &nbsp; "I want to thank Janet for her service," Smith said. "I wish her success in her future endeavors." Raymer coached the Eagles for seven years, compiling a record of 35-145. In 2022-23, the Eagles finished 4-24 overall and 4-18 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. &nbsp; Raymer coached three all-conference players during her time at CSC, including Shay Powers, who was named first team all-conference this past season. Kalli Feddersen received second team honors in both 2016-17 and 2017-18. &nbsp; A total of 43 student-athletes received RMAC All-Academic Honor Roll honors during Raymer's tenure. The women's basketball team finished in the top half of the conference for team GPA during each of the past seven seasons. &nbsp; Raymer, a Hay Springs native, played two seasons on the women's basketball team at Chadron State. She also served as an assistant coach before becoming head coach. &nbsp; A national search for CSC's next head women's basketball coach will begin immediately.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State making head coaching change in women's basketball program

The Alliance Peltz Company Spartan Junior and Senior baseball teams will host the Annual Clair Conley Memorial Tournament, June 21-25,&nbsp; at Bower/Shankland Field in Alliance.&nbsp; The Tourmanent is named in honor of the late Clair Conley, who was the long time manager and organizer of Spartans Baseball.&nbsp;

The field this year will feature 8 teams from 4 states in a round robin format.&nbsp; The teams will be split into two,&nbsp; 4-team pools.&nbsp; Pool A will consist of the Alliance Spartan Seniors, Scottsbluff Westco, Sidney and Douglas WY.&nbsp; &nbsp; Pool B will be made up of&nbsp; the Alliance Spartan Juniors, Laurel MT,&nbsp; Post 22 Expos SD and Buckley Ne.&nbsp; All games will be played at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Tournament schedule is listed below.

 Douglas vs Buckley...2:45 pm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Sidney vs Alliances Jrs....5 pm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

KCOW...1400 AM and 92.5 FM will broadcast the Spartan Senior games vs Sidney, 7:15 pm Wednesday...vs Douglas WY, 7:15 pm Friday and vs Laurel MT, 7:15 pm&nbsp; Saturday.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1585334447209.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike Glesinger&nbsp; Panhandle PostThe Alliance Peltz Company Spartan Junior and Senior baseball teams will host the Annual Clair Conley Memorial Tournament, June 21-25,&nbsp; at Bower/Shankland Field in Alliance.&nbsp; The Tourmanent is named in honor of the late Clair Conley, who was the long time manager and organizer of Spartans Baseball.&nbsp;The field this year will feature 8 teams from 4 states in a round robin format.&nbsp; The teams will be split into two,&nbsp; 4-team pools.&nbsp; Pool A will consist of the Alliance Spartan Seniors, Scottsbluff Westco, Sidney and Douglas WY.&nbsp; &nbsp; Pool B will be made up of&nbsp; the Alliance Spartan Juniors, Laurel MT,&nbsp; Post 22 Expos SD and Buckley Ne.&nbsp; All games will be played at Bower/Shankland Field.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Tournament schedule is listed below.Wednesday June 21 Douglas vs Buckley...2:45 pm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Sidney vs Alliances Jrs....5 pm&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Sidney vs Alliance Srs ...7:15 pmThursday June 22Sidney vs Douglas...12:30 pmBuckley vs Alliance Jrs...2:45 pmAlliance Jrs vs Laurel MT...5 pmAlliance Srs vs Westco...7:15 pmFriday June 23Westco vs Douglas...12:30 pmPost 22 Expos vs Westco...2:45 pmLaurel MT vs Post 22 EXpos...5 pmAlliance Srs vs Douglas...7:15 pmSaturday June 24Laurel MT vs Buckely...10:15 amBuckley vs Post 22 Expos...12:30 pmWestco vs Sidney...2:45 pmPost 22 Expos vs Alliance Jrs...5 pmAlliance Srs vs Laurel MT...7:15 pmSunday June 25Pool A 4 vs Pool B 4...10:15 amPool A 3 vs Pool B 3...12:30 pmPool A 2 vs Pool B 2...2:45 pmPool A 1 vs Pool B 1...5 pmKCOW...1400 AM and 92.5 FM will broadcast the Spartan Senior games vs Sidney, 7:15 pm Wednesday...vs Douglas WY, 7:15 pm Friday and vs Laurel MT, 7:15 pm&nbsp; Saturday.&nbsp;

Alliance Peltz Co Spartans to host Clair Conley Memorial Tournament

What a season it has been for the NBA's Denver Nuggets!&nbsp; The Nuggets wrapped up their first ever NBA title Monday night with a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat.&nbsp; Denver wins the NBA Championship Series 4 games to one.&nbsp;

Alliance native Jason Kosmicki has been the Radio Play by Play voice of the Nuggets for the last 14 years....and was behind the mic for their Championship run this season.&nbsp; Jason has been involved in Denver Sports for the past 29 years.&nbsp; He is a 1986 graduate of Alliance St. Agnes Academy and a former,&nbsp; part time, "weekend warrior" at KCOW.&nbsp;

Jason visited with Mike Glesinger about his radio career and his time with the Nuggets.&nbsp; Click on the arrow above to hear the interview.

<div><iframe title="Post Podcast: Denver Nuggets Radio Voice Jason Kosmicki" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mwh78-14335f6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686773043586.jpeg" alt="Jason Kosmicki" />
 <figcaption>Jason Kosmicki</figcaption>
 </figure>What a season it has been for the NBA's Denver Nuggets!&nbsp; The Nuggets wrapped up their first ever NBA title Monday night with a 94-89 victory over the Miami Heat.&nbsp; Denver wins the NBA Championship Series 4 games to one.&nbsp;Alliance native Jason Kosmicki has been the Radio Play by Play voice of the Nuggets for the last 14 years....and was behind the mic for their Championship run this season.&nbsp; Jason has been involved in Denver Sports for the past 29 years.&nbsp; He is a 1986 graduate of Alliance St. Agnes Academy and a former,&nbsp; part time, "weekend warrior" at KCOW.&nbsp;Jason visited with Mike Glesinger about his radio career and his time with the Nuggets.&nbsp; Click on the arrow above to hear the interview.

Post Podcast: Catching Up with Denver Nuggets Radio Voice, Alliance Native Jason Kosmicki

A look at the eight teams competing in the College World Series, which starts Friday at Charles Schwab Field. (Capsules in order of CWS opening games. Coaches’ records through super regionals):

Coach: Ryan Folmar (370-222 in 11 years at ORU).

Road to Omaha: Won Stillwater Regional: beat Oklahoma State 6-4, beat Washington 15-12, beat Dallas Baptist 6-5. Won Eugene Super Regional: lost 9-8 to Oregon, beat Oregon 8-7,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-baseball-super-regionals-6d2ddeeb25ca1f5c9c4d6bbb00b24050">beat Oregon 11-6.</a>

All-time record in CWS: 1-2 in one appearance.

Meet the Golden Eagles: C Jacob Godman (.296, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs), 1B Jake McMurray (.327, 6, 47), 2B Blaze Brothers (.302, 11, 38), SS Mac McCroskey (.310, 13, 62), 3B Holden Breeze (.317, 6, 42), LF Justin Quinn (.351, 7, 39), CF Jonah Cox (.420, 11, 67), RF Matt Hogan (.332, 18, 70), DH Drew Stahl (.281, 11, 55). Starting rotation: Jakob Hall (8-3, 3.56 ERA), LHP Harley Gollert (10-1, 4.30), RHP Brooks Fowler (9-1, 3.27). Relievers: RHP Cade Denton (2-1, 1.85, 15 saves), LHP Jacob Widener (2-2, 3.06, 1 save), LHP Caleb Isaacs (8-0, 5.04), RHP Evan Kowalski (2-1, 6.25), RHP Dalton Patten (4-2, 4.43).

MLB alumni: Todd Burns, Craig Colbert, Jeremy Hefner, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jeff Heathcock, Mike Moore, Tom Nieto, Jordan Romano, Tyler Saladino, Jose Trevino.

Short hops: Joins 2012 Stony Brook and 2008 Fresno State as only No. 4 regional seeds to reach the CWS. ... Cox’s 47-game hitting streak is tied for third longest in Division I history. He has a hit in 62 of 63 games. ... Eagles have won 23 of 24, including 16 of past 17 on road. ... McMurray has started 145 consecutive games. ... First Summit League team to make CWS.

Quotable: "We knew we had a good club coming into the year. We continued to get better and better and better, and we’re playing well at the right time of year. We get an opportunity to keep playing, and that’s pretty fun.” — Folmar.

Coach: Kirk Saarloos (80-44 in two years at TCU).

Road to Omaha: Won Fayetteville Regional: beat Arizona 12-4, beat Arkansas 20-5, beat Arkansas 12-4. Won Fort Worth Super Regional: beat Indiana State 4-1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-indiana-state-college-baseball-ncaa-super-regionals-a56451671898906cd264b3d07eec80c7">beat Indiana State 6-4.</a>

All-time record in CWS: 11-10 in five appearances.

Meet the Horned Frogs: C Karson Bowen .355, 6 HRs, 46 RBIs), 1B Cole Fontenelle (.347, 13, 52), 2B Tre Richardson (.315, 6, 59), SS Anthony Silva (.340, 7, 47), 3B Brayden Taylor (.314, 23, 69), LF Luke Boyers (.231, 7, 27), CF&nbsp;<a href="https://gofrogs.com/sports/baseball/roster/elijah--nunez/14857">Elijah Nunez</a>&nbsp;(.290, 3, 35), RF Austin Davis (.280, 9, 55), DH Kurtis Byrne (.291, 10, 46). Starting rotation: RHP Kole Klecker (10-4, 3.84 ERA), RHP Sam Stoutenborough (5-0, 4.52), RHP Cam Brown (3-2, 5.50). Relievers: RHP Hunter Hodges (1-0, 3.09), RHP Mason Speaker (0-0, 6.46), LHP Ben Abeldt (3-3, 3.72), RHP Luke Savage (5-3, 2.50, 2 saves), RHP Cohen Feser (1-0, 2.73, 1 save), RHP Garrett Wright (2-2, 3.24, 5 saves).

MLB alumni: Jake Arrieta, Scott Atchison, Jim Busby, Matt Carpenter, Andrew Cashner, Brandon Finnegan, Bryan Holaday, Nick Lodolo, Tim Mauser, Carl Warwick.

Short hops: Frogs’ 11-game win streak is longest in nation, and they’ve won 19 of 21. ... Abeldt has allowed only one run in 21 2/3 innings over 12 appearances. ... Taylor has reached base in 30 straight games. ... Frogs have 139 steals, most in the CWS field, and have at least 100 three seasons in a row.

Quotable: “It doesn’t feel any different than when I was the assistant coach. It just feels awesome. But it does feel good as the head coach. At least I got there as the head coach, I can say that no matter what happens.” — Saarloos, who went to four CWS as a TCU assistant under Jim Schlossnagle.

Coach: Kevin O’Sullivan (677-317 in 16 years at Florida).

Road to Omaha: Won Gainesville Regional: beat Florida A&amp;M 3-0, lost to Texas Tech 5-4, beat UConn 8-2, beat Texas Tech 7-1, beat Texas Tech 6-0. Won Gainesville Super Regional: beat South Carolina 5-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-south-carolina-ncaa-baseball-super-regionals-b361ab000bfc92cbe4c96f69918a3a0c">beat South Carolina 4-0.</a>

2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-1 (vs. Tennessee).

All-time record in CWS: 21-24 in 12 appearances (won national title in 2017).

Meet the Gators: C BT Riopelle (.250, 16 HRs, 65 RBIs),&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-jac-caglianone-jactani-ncaa-baseball-2db7f2574299df3ef20649fb169f99d8">1B Jac Caglianone</a>&nbsp;(.336, 31, 84) or Luke Heyman (.327, 11, 36), 2B Cade Curland (.300, 16, 46), SS Josh Rivera (.362, 17, 68), 3B Colby Halter (.248, 3, 28) or Dale Thomas (.244, 1, 4), LF Wyatt Langford (.373, 18, 48), CF Michael Robertson (.232, 1, 19), RF Tyler Shelnut (.285, 7, 27), DH Caglianone or Heyman. Starting rotation: RHP Brandon Sproat (8-3, 4.69 ERA), RHP Hurston Waldrep (9-3, 4.15), LHP Caglianone (7-3, 3.78). Relievers: RHP Brandon Neely (0-2, 3.66, 13 saves), LHP Cade Fisher (6-0, 3.02), RHP Ryan Slater (10-1, 3.51), LHP Philip Abner (3-0, 3.16), RHP Nick Ficarrotta (0-0, 5.45), RHP Tyler Nesbitt (1-0, 2.95).

MLB alumni: Pete Alonso, Harrison Bader, David Eckstein, Mark Ellis, Dalton Guthrie, Jonathan India, A.J. Puk, David Ross, Brady Singer, Mike Stanley, Brad Wilkerson, Mike Zunino.

Short hops: The Gators have their seventh 50-win season, with five coming under O’Sullivan. ... Waldrep has 25 strikeouts in 15 innings in two NCAA Tournament starts. He struck out nine of the final 14 batters he faced in the super regional-clinching win over South Carolina. ... Langford has one error in 120 games he’s played in the field. ... Gators have 129 homers, three off the school record set in 1998.

Quotable: "Getting to Omaha is goal No. 1, but we feel like we have a team that can potentially do some special things in Omaha.” — O’Sullivan.

Coach: Brian O’Connor (839-351-2 in 20 years at Virginia).

Road to Omaha: Won Charlottesville Regional: beat Army 15-1, beat East Carolina 2-1, beat East Carolina 8-3. Won Charlottesville Super Regional: lost to Duke 5-4, beat Duke 14-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-virginia-charlottesville-super-regional-ccf0f49ffaa121e4daf0c1a109830b7e">beat Duke 12-2.</a>

All-time record in CWS: 13-10 in five appearances (won national title in 2015).

Meet the Cavaliers: C Kyle Teel (.418, 13 HRs, 69 RBIs), 1B Ethan Anderson (.377, 14, 65), 2B Henry Godbout (.291, 3, 38), SS Griff O'Ferrall (.398, 1, 40), 3B Jake Gelof (.331, 23, 89), LF Harrison Didawick (.247, 4, 33) or Colin Tuft (.234, 1, 17), CF Ethan O’Donnell (.356, 13, 55), RF Casey Saucke (.298, 4, 48), DH Anthony Stephan (.338, 5, 34). Starting rotation: RHP Nick Parker (8-0, 3.81 ERA), LHP Connelly Early (12-2, 3.06), RHP Brian Edgington (9-3, 3.47). Relievers: RHP Jack O’Connor (6-3, 3.88), RHP Jay Woolfolk (2-1, 3.00, 9 saves), LHP Evan Blanco (1-0, 2.70), RHP Cullen McKay (0-0, 3.78), RHP Chase Hungate (3-0, 5.76), LHP Jake Berry (0-4, 3.33), LHP Angelo Tonas (4-0, 2.25), RHP Kevin Jaxel (2-0, 3.75).

MLB alumni: Ryan Zimmerman, Ricky Horton, Javier Lopez, Mark Reynolds, Phil Gosselin, Sean Doolittle, David Adams, Pavin Smith.

Short hops: Cavaliers have won 15 of past 16 games. ... Gelof’s 23 homers are a program single-season record. ... Edgington’s complete game in the super-regional clincher was Virginia’s first in the NCAA Tournament since 2014. ... Gelof and Teel were freshman starters on the 2021 CWS team. ... Brian O’Connor grew up across the Missouri River from Omaha in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and he has participated in the CWS as a pitcher (1991 Creighton), assistant (2002 Notre Dame) and head coach.

Quotable: “Getting to Omaha is very, very difficult to do. It takes a lot of things. It takes a lot more than just talent, and that’s why I’m so proud of these players that wear our uniform.” — Brian O’Connor.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wake-forest-tom-walter-ncaa-baseball-0de1353804560023b76e037f7107a8c7">Coach Tom Walter</a>&nbsp;(418-339-1 in 14 years at Wake Forest; 846-671-1 overall in 27 years).

Road to Omaha: Won Winston-Salem Regional: beat George Mason 12-0, beat Maryland 21-6, beat George Mason 15-1. Won Winston-Salem Super Regional: beat Alabama 5-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wake-forest-winstonsalem-super-regional-fdae792ab31187ef9e40088c11b096e6">beat Alabama 22-5</a>.

All-time record in CWS: 7-3 in two appearances (won national title in 1955).

Meet the Demon Deacons: C Bennett Lee (.308, 7 HRs, 33), 1B Nick Kurtz (.370, 24, 69), 2B Justin Johnson (.341, 16, 76), SS Marek Houston (.224, 4, 29), 3B Brock Wilken (.357, 30, 80), LF Lucas Costello (.303, 4, 24), CF Tommy Hawke (.354, 7, 33), RF Pierce Bennett (.357, 13, 43), DH Danny Corona (.301, 13, 43). Starting rotation: RHP Rhett Lowder (15-0, 2.05 ERA), LHP Josh Hartle (10-2, 2.80 ERA), RHP Seth Keener (7-1, 2.23). Relievers: LHP Sean Sullivan (5-3, 2.64, 3 saves), RHP Cole Roland (2-1, 2.12), RHP Michael Massey (3-0, 2.58), RHP Camden Minacci (0-1, 2.73, 12 saves), RHP Reed Mascolo (7-1, 3.96), LHP Joe Ariola (0-0, 6.75), RHP William Ray (1-1, 5.40), LHP Derek Crum (1-0, 3.38).

MLB alumni: Mike Buddie, Stuart Fairchild, Chris Getz, Tommy Gregg, Eric Hanson, Kevin Jarvis, Mike MacDougal, Craig Robinson, Gavin Sheets, Jared Shuster, Cory Sullivan.

Short hops: Deacons are first No. 1 national seed to reach CWS since 2018. ... Their 10 losses are fewest in nation. They haven't lost consecutive games. ... First Wake Forest team to win at least 50 games. ... Wilken's 70 homers are ACC career record. ... Corona leads tournament with six homers and 17 RBIs. ... Lowder's 15 wins lead nation.

Quotable: “We’ve had high expectations all year — No. 2 ranked, No. 1 ranked. The higher the expectations got, the more these guys showed up.” — Walter.

Coach: David Esquer (225-90 in 6 years at Stanford, 750-557-2 in 24 years overall).

Road to Omaha: Won Stanford Regional: beat San Jose State 13-2, lost to Texas A&amp;M 8-5, beat Cal State Fullerton 6-5, beat Texas A&amp;M 13-5, beat Texas A&amp;M 7-1. Won Stanford Super Regional: lost to Texas 7-5, beat Texas 8-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-texas-baseball-ncaa-65b46287cf6f22b55e2756d19a0e61b0">beat Texas 7-6.</a>

All-time record in CWS: 41-33 in 18 appearances (won national titles in 1987, 1988).

Meet the Cardinal: C Malcolm Moore (.316, 15 HRs, 62 RBIs), 1B Carter Graham (.312, 15, 76), 2B Drew Bowser (.275, 14, 48), SS Temo Becerra (.327, 2, 7), 3B Tommy Troy (.397, 17, 58), LF Alberto Rios (.387, 18, 71), CF Eddie Park (.340, 6, 47), RF Saborn Campbell (.226, 0, 3), DH Braden Montgomery (.336, 17, 60). Starting rotation: RHP Joey Dixon (9-3, 4.76 ERA), LHP Quinn Mathews (10-4, 3.60), RHP Matt Scott (5-4, 4.86). Relievers: LHP Drew Dowd (9-3, 4.76), RHP Brandt Pancer (3-1, 4.43), LHP Ryan Bruno (2-1, 5.18, 9 saves), LHP Nicolas Lopez (2-1, 7.04), RHP Nick Dugan (1-0, 7.27), RHP Ty Uber (1-0, 9.86), RHP Braden Montgomery (1-2, 12.21), RHP Toran O'Harran (1-1, 11.65), RHP Max Meier (2-0, 11.57).

MLB alumni: Bob Boone, Steve Buechele, Jack McDowell, Mike Mussina, Jeffrey Hammonds, A.J. Hinch, Kyle Peterson, Paul Carey, Ed Sprague, Ryan Garko, Drew Storen, Michael Taylor, Stephen Piscotty, Tommy Edman.

Short hops: Team's .319 batting average is highest since the 2004 squad batted .328. ... Pac-12 pitcher of year Mathews threw 156 pitches in second game of super regional. He has thrown more than 100 pitches in 15 starts, and his 120 innings are most in the nation. ... Esquer is Pac-12 coach of year for third time since 2018. ... Rios is Pac-12 player of year.

Quotable: “Have you ever seen an ending like that, because I haven’t. That was unbelievable.” — Esquer, on the winning run in Game 3 of the super regional scoring when Texas' outfielders lost a fly ball in the twilight sky.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-louisiana-state-tigers-southeastern-conference-20c261371d4979c44118261243be2091">Coach: Jay Johnson</a>&nbsp;(88-37 in two years at LSU; 405-209 in 11 years overall).

Road to Omaha: Won Baton Rouge Regional: beat Tulane 72, beat Oregon State 6-5, beat Oregon State 13-7. Won Baton Rouge Super Regional: beat Kentucky 14-0,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-lsu-college-baseball-ncaa-super-regionals-86fb04175c627beb94f7d59cee087f87">beat Kentucky 8-3.</a>

2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-1 (vs. Tennessee)

All-time record in CWS: 40-27 in 18 appearances (won national titles in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009).

Meet the Tigers: C Hayden Travinski (.404, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs), 1B Tre' Morgan (.312, 22, 97), 2B Gavin Dugas (.288, 15, 42), SS Jordan Thompson (.273, 11, 49), 3B Tommy White (.377, 22, 97), LF Josh Pearson (.252, 3, 25), CF Dylan Crews (.434, 17, 67), RF Brayden Jobert (.302, 11, 42), DH Cade Beloso (.316, 14, 41). Starting rotation: RHP Paul Skenes (12-2, 1.77 ERA), RHP Ty Floyd (7-0, 4.50). Relievers: LHP Riley Cooper (4-3, 5.02), RHP Gavin Guidry (3-0, 3.42, 3 saves), RHP Blake Money (1-0, 5.73), LHP Nate Ackenhausen (2-0, 3.63), LHP Griffin Herring (4-2, 4.55), RHP Thatcher Hurd (6-2, 6.49, 3 saves), RHP Sam Dutton (0-0, 6.05), LHP Javen Coleman (1-2, 6.39).

MLB alumni: Albert Belle, Alex Bregman, Paul Byrd, Jake Fraley, Kevin Gausman, Will Harris, Brad Hawpe, Aaron Hill, Alex Lange, DJ LeMahieu, Ben McDonald, Aaron Nola, Austin Nola, Todd Walker, Brian Wilson.

Short hops: Tigers’ six national titles are second to Southern California’s 12. ...&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lsu-mlb-draft-crews-skenes-7ee1d23e0c418f2a5b87782c0a25a831">Crews and Skenes are projected 1-2 overall picks</a>&nbsp;in the amateur draft. ... Crews' .434 batting average is highest among players in the CWS and is third nationally. His on-base percentage is .667 in the tournament. ... Skenes' 15.81 strikeouts per nine innings this season lead the nation. ... Tigers' 133 homers are most among CWS teams.

Quotable: "They've earned the right to play for a national championship, and that's what we intend on doing and going for it. And I will not promise we'll win it, but everything will be invested by everybody to go do that.” — Johnson.

Coach: Tony Vitello (234-97 in six years at Tennessee).

Road to Omaha: Won Clemson Regional: beat Charlotte 8-1, beat Clemson 6-5, beat Charlotte 9-2. Won Hattiesburg Super Regional: lost to Southern Mississippi 5-3, beat Southern Mississippi 8-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-miss-tennessee-86014fcf3d44d31a8025b97d3939bac1">beat Southern Mississippi 5-0.</a>

2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-4 (1-2 vs. LSU, 1-2 vs. Florida).

All-time record in CWS: 8-10 in five appearances.

Meet the Volunteers: C Cal Stark (.181, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs), 1B Blake Burke (.279, 16, 43), 2B Christian Moore (.313, 17, 48), SS Maui Ahuna (.302, 8, 41), 3B Zane Denton (.274, 16, 58), LF Jared Dickey (.325, 12, 51), CF Hunter Ensley (.279, 28, 76), RF Christian Scott (.282, 7, 34), DH Griffin Merritt (.315, 18, 48). Starting rotation: RHP Andrew Lindsey (3-3, 2.79 ERA), RHP Chase Dollander (7-6, 4.50), RHP Drew Beam (9-4, 3.78). Relievers: RHP Chase Burns (4-3, 4.64), RHP Aaron Combs (4-0, 2.61), RHP Camden Sewell (4-0, 3.91), RHP Seth Halvorsen (3-3, 3.60), RHP AJ Russell (2-0, 0.94), LHP Zander Sechrist (0-1, 2.05), LHP Kirby Connell (1-0, 3.77), RHP Hollis Fanning (0-0, 0.66).

MLB alumni: Todd Helton, Phil Garner, Rick Honeycutt, Luke Hochevar, R.A. Dickey, Joe Randa, Mike Difelice, Bubba Trammell, Chris Burke, Mike Lincoln, Steve Searcy, Nick Senzel.

Short hops: Volunteers are one of three programs in at least two of the past three CWS, joining Stanford and Virginia. ... Burns has allowed one earned run in 10 innings over three appearances. ... Over past three seasons, Vols have hit NCAA-leading 381 home runs. In the previous decade (2010-20), they hit 376 combined. ... Denton and Moore each have homered four times in six games, and Moore also has four doubles.

Quotable: “We kind of carve our own way out by being a team that consistently makes progress and figures things out. About halfway through the year they took ownership of the team — the players, that is — and they've continued to push forward and they have room to continue to do that.” — Vitello.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750336699.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>A look at the eight teams competing in the College World Series, which starts Friday at Charles Schwab Field. (Capsules in order of CWS opening games. Coaches’ records through super regionals):ORAL ROBERTS (51-12)Coach: Ryan Folmar (370-222 in 11 years at ORU).Road to Omaha: Won Stillwater Regional: beat Oklahoma State 6-4, beat Washington 15-12, beat Dallas Baptist 6-5. Won Eugene Super Regional: lost 9-8 to Oregon, beat Oregon 8-7,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-baseball-super-regionals-6d2ddeeb25ca1f5c9c4d6bbb00b24050">beat Oregon 11-6.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 0-0.Last CWS appearance: 1978.All-time record in CWS: 1-2 in one appearance.Meet the Golden Eagles: C Jacob Godman (.296, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs), 1B Jake McMurray (.327, 6, 47), 2B Blaze Brothers (.302, 11, 38), SS Mac McCroskey (.310, 13, 62), 3B Holden Breeze (.317, 6, 42), LF Justin Quinn (.351, 7, 39), CF Jonah Cox (.420, 11, 67), RF Matt Hogan (.332, 18, 70), DH Drew Stahl (.281, 11, 55). Starting rotation: Jakob Hall (8-3, 3.56 ERA), LHP Harley Gollert (10-1, 4.30), RHP Brooks Fowler (9-1, 3.27). Relievers: RHP Cade Denton (2-1, 1.85, 15 saves), LHP Jacob Widener (2-2, 3.06, 1 save), LHP Caleb Isaacs (8-0, 5.04), RHP Evan Kowalski (2-1, 6.25), RHP Dalton Patten (4-2, 4.43).MLB alumni: Todd Burns, Craig Colbert, Jeremy Hefner, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Jeff Heathcock, Mike Moore, Tom Nieto, Jordan Romano, Tyler Saladino, Jose Trevino.Short hops: Joins 2012 Stony Brook and 2008 Fresno State as only No. 4 regional seeds to reach the CWS. ... Cox’s 47-game hitting streak is tied for third longest in Division I history. He has a hit in 62 of 63 games. ... Eagles have won 23 of 24, including 16 of past 17 on road. ... McMurray has started 145 consecutive games. ... First Summit League team to make CWS.Quotable: "We knew we had a good club coming into the year. We continued to get better and better and better, and we’re playing well at the right time of year. We get an opportunity to keep playing, and that’s pretty fun.” — Folmar.___TCU (42-22)Coach: Kirk Saarloos (80-44 in two years at TCU).Road to Omaha: Won Fayetteville Regional: beat Arizona 12-4, beat Arkansas 20-5, beat Arkansas 12-4. Won Fort Worth Super Regional: beat Indiana State 4-1,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tcu-indiana-state-college-baseball-ncaa-super-regionals-a56451671898906cd264b3d07eec80c7">beat Indiana State 6-4.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 0-0.Last CWS appearance: 2017.All-time record in CWS: 11-10 in five appearances.Meet the Horned Frogs: C Karson Bowen .355, 6 HRs, 46 RBIs), 1B Cole Fontenelle (.347, 13, 52), 2B Tre Richardson (.315, 6, 59), SS Anthony Silva (.340, 7, 47), 3B Brayden Taylor (.314, 23, 69), LF Luke Boyers (.231, 7, 27), CF&nbsp;<a href="https://gofrogs.com/sports/baseball/roster/elijah--nunez/14857">Elijah Nunez</a>&nbsp;(.290, 3, 35), RF Austin Davis (.280, 9, 55), DH Kurtis Byrne (.291, 10, 46). Starting rotation: RHP Kole Klecker (10-4, 3.84 ERA), RHP Sam Stoutenborough (5-0, 4.52), RHP Cam Brown (3-2, 5.50). Relievers: RHP Hunter Hodges (1-0, 3.09), RHP Mason Speaker (0-0, 6.46), LHP Ben Abeldt (3-3, 3.72), RHP Luke Savage (5-3, 2.50, 2 saves), RHP Cohen Feser (1-0, 2.73, 1 save), RHP Garrett Wright (2-2, 3.24, 5 saves).MLB alumni: Jake Arrieta, Scott Atchison, Jim Busby, Matt Carpenter, Andrew Cashner, Brandon Finnegan, Bryan Holaday, Nick Lodolo, Tim Mauser, Carl Warwick.Short hops: Frogs’ 11-game win streak is longest in nation, and they’ve won 19 of 21. ... Abeldt has allowed only one run in 21 2/3 innings over 12 appearances. ... Taylor has reached base in 30 straight games. ... Frogs have 139 steals, most in the CWS field, and have at least 100 three seasons in a row.Quotable: “It doesn’t feel any different than when I was the assistant coach. It just feels awesome. But it does feel good as the head coach. At least I got there as the head coach, I can say that no matter what happens.” — Saarloos, who went to four CWS as a TCU assistant under Jim Schlossnagle.___FLORIDA (50-15)Coach: Kevin O’Sullivan (677-317 in 16 years at Florida).Road to Omaha: Won Gainesville Regional: beat Florida A&amp;M 3-0, lost to Texas Tech 5-4, beat UConn 8-2, beat Texas Tech 7-1, beat Texas Tech 6-0. Won Gainesville Super Regional: beat South Carolina 5-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-south-carolina-ncaa-baseball-super-regionals-b361ab000bfc92cbe4c96f69918a3a0c">beat South Carolina 4-0.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-1 (vs. Tennessee).Last CWS appearance: 2018.All-time record in CWS: 21-24 in 12 appearances (won national title in 2017).Meet the Gators: C BT Riopelle (.250, 16 HRs, 65 RBIs),&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-jac-caglianone-jactani-ncaa-baseball-2db7f2574299df3ef20649fb169f99d8">1B Jac Caglianone</a>&nbsp;(.336, 31, 84) or Luke Heyman (.327, 11, 36), 2B Cade Curland (.300, 16, 46), SS Josh Rivera (.362, 17, 68), 3B Colby Halter (.248, 3, 28) or Dale Thomas (.244, 1, 4), LF Wyatt Langford (.373, 18, 48), CF Michael Robertson (.232, 1, 19), RF Tyler Shelnut (.285, 7, 27), DH Caglianone or Heyman. Starting rotation: RHP Brandon Sproat (8-3, 4.69 ERA), RHP Hurston Waldrep (9-3, 4.15), LHP Caglianone (7-3, 3.78). Relievers: RHP Brandon Neely (0-2, 3.66, 13 saves), LHP Cade Fisher (6-0, 3.02), RHP Ryan Slater (10-1, 3.51), LHP Philip Abner (3-0, 3.16), RHP Nick Ficarrotta (0-0, 5.45), RHP Tyler Nesbitt (1-0, 2.95).MLB alumni: Pete Alonso, Harrison Bader, David Eckstein, Mark Ellis, Dalton Guthrie, Jonathan India, A.J. Puk, David Ross, Brady Singer, Mike Stanley, Brad Wilkerson, Mike Zunino.Short hops: The Gators have their seventh 50-win season, with five coming under O’Sullivan. ... Waldrep has 25 strikeouts in 15 innings in two NCAA Tournament starts. He struck out nine of the final 14 batters he faced in the super regional-clinching win over South Carolina. ... Langford has one error in 120 games he’s played in the field. ... Gators have 129 homers, three off the school record set in 1998.Quotable: "Getting to Omaha is goal No. 1, but we feel like we have a team that can potentially do some special things in Omaha.” — O’Sullivan.___VIRGINIA (50-13)Coach: Brian O’Connor (839-351-2 in 20 years at Virginia).Road to Omaha: Won Charlottesville Regional: beat Army 15-1, beat East Carolina 2-1, beat East Carolina 8-3. Won Charlottesville Super Regional: lost to Duke 5-4, beat Duke 14-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/duke-virginia-charlottesville-super-regional-ccf0f49ffaa121e4daf0c1a109830b7e">beat Duke 12-2.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 0-0.Last CWS appearance: 2021.All-time record in CWS: 13-10 in five appearances (won national title in 2015).Meet the Cavaliers: C Kyle Teel (.418, 13 HRs, 69 RBIs), 1B Ethan Anderson (.377, 14, 65), 2B Henry Godbout (.291, 3, 38), SS Griff O'Ferrall (.398, 1, 40), 3B Jake Gelof (.331, 23, 89), LF Harrison Didawick (.247, 4, 33) or Colin Tuft (.234, 1, 17), CF Ethan O’Donnell (.356, 13, 55), RF Casey Saucke (.298, 4, 48), DH Anthony Stephan (.338, 5, 34). Starting rotation: RHP Nick Parker (8-0, 3.81 ERA), LHP Connelly Early (12-2, 3.06), RHP Brian Edgington (9-3, 3.47). Relievers: RHP Jack O’Connor (6-3, 3.88), RHP Jay Woolfolk (2-1, 3.00, 9 saves), LHP Evan Blanco (1-0, 2.70), RHP Cullen McKay (0-0, 3.78), RHP Chase Hungate (3-0, 5.76), LHP Jake Berry (0-4, 3.33), LHP Angelo Tonas (4-0, 2.25), RHP Kevin Jaxel (2-0, 3.75).MLB alumni: Ryan Zimmerman, Ricky Horton, Javier Lopez, Mark Reynolds, Phil Gosselin, Sean Doolittle, David Adams, Pavin Smith.Short hops: Cavaliers have won 15 of past 16 games. ... Gelof’s 23 homers are a program single-season record. ... Edgington’s complete game in the super-regional clincher was Virginia’s first in the NCAA Tournament since 2014. ... Gelof and Teel were freshman starters on the 2021 CWS team. ... Brian O’Connor grew up across the Missouri River from Omaha in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and he has participated in the CWS as a pitcher (1991 Creighton), assistant (2002 Notre Dame) and head coach.Quotable: “Getting to Omaha is very, very difficult to do. It takes a lot of things. It takes a lot more than just talent, and that’s why I’m so proud of these players that wear our uniform.” — Brian O’Connor.___WAKE FOREST (52-10)<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wake-forest-tom-walter-ncaa-baseball-0de1353804560023b76e037f7107a8c7">Coach Tom Walter</a>&nbsp;(418-339-1 in 14 years at Wake Forest; 846-671-1 overall in 27 years).Road to Omaha: Won Winston-Salem Regional: beat George Mason 12-0, beat Maryland 21-6, beat George Mason 15-1. Won Winston-Salem Super Regional: beat Alabama 5-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alabama-wake-forest-winstonsalem-super-regional-fdae792ab31187ef9e40088c11b096e6">beat Alabama 22-5</a>.2023 record vs. CWS teams: 0-0.Last CWS appearance: 1955.All-time record in CWS: 7-3 in two appearances (won national title in 1955).Meet the Demon Deacons: C Bennett Lee (.308, 7 HRs, 33), 1B Nick Kurtz (.370, 24, 69), 2B Justin Johnson (.341, 16, 76), SS Marek Houston (.224, 4, 29), 3B Brock Wilken (.357, 30, 80), LF Lucas Costello (.303, 4, 24), CF Tommy Hawke (.354, 7, 33), RF Pierce Bennett (.357, 13, 43), DH Danny Corona (.301, 13, 43). Starting rotation: RHP Rhett Lowder (15-0, 2.05 ERA), LHP Josh Hartle (10-2, 2.80 ERA), RHP Seth Keener (7-1, 2.23). Relievers: LHP Sean Sullivan (5-3, 2.64, 3 saves), RHP Cole Roland (2-1, 2.12), RHP Michael Massey (3-0, 2.58), RHP Camden Minacci (0-1, 2.73, 12 saves), RHP Reed Mascolo (7-1, 3.96), LHP Joe Ariola (0-0, 6.75), RHP William Ray (1-1, 5.40), LHP Derek Crum (1-0, 3.38).MLB alumni: Mike Buddie, Stuart Fairchild, Chris Getz, Tommy Gregg, Eric Hanson, Kevin Jarvis, Mike MacDougal, Craig Robinson, Gavin Sheets, Jared Shuster, Cory Sullivan.Short hops: Deacons are first No. 1 national seed to reach CWS since 2018. ... Their 10 losses are fewest in nation. They haven't lost consecutive games. ... First Wake Forest team to win at least 50 games. ... Wilken's 70 homers are ACC career record. ... Corona leads tournament with six homers and 17 RBIs. ... Lowder's 15 wins lead nation.Quotable: “We’ve had high expectations all year — No. 2 ranked, No. 1 ranked. The higher the expectations got, the more these guys showed up.” — Walter.___STANFORD (44-18)Coach: David Esquer (225-90 in 6 years at Stanford, 750-557-2 in 24 years overall).Road to Omaha: Won Stanford Regional: beat San Jose State 13-2, lost to Texas A&amp;M 8-5, beat Cal State Fullerton 6-5, beat Texas A&amp;M 13-5, beat Texas A&amp;M 7-1. Won Stanford Super Regional: lost to Texas 7-5, beat Texas 8-3,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stanford-texas-baseball-ncaa-65b46287cf6f22b55e2756d19a0e61b0">beat Texas 7-6.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 0-0.Last CWS appearance: 2022.All-time record in CWS: 41-33 in 18 appearances (won national titles in 1987, 1988).Meet the Cardinal: C Malcolm Moore (.316, 15 HRs, 62 RBIs), 1B Carter Graham (.312, 15, 76), 2B Drew Bowser (.275, 14, 48), SS Temo Becerra (.327, 2, 7), 3B Tommy Troy (.397, 17, 58), LF Alberto Rios (.387, 18, 71), CF Eddie Park (.340, 6, 47), RF Saborn Campbell (.226, 0, 3), DH Braden Montgomery (.336, 17, 60). Starting rotation: RHP Joey Dixon (9-3, 4.76 ERA), LHP Quinn Mathews (10-4, 3.60), RHP Matt Scott (5-4, 4.86). Relievers: LHP Drew Dowd (9-3, 4.76), RHP Brandt Pancer (3-1, 4.43), LHP Ryan Bruno (2-1, 5.18, 9 saves), LHP Nicolas Lopez (2-1, 7.04), RHP Nick Dugan (1-0, 7.27), RHP Ty Uber (1-0, 9.86), RHP Braden Montgomery (1-2, 12.21), RHP Toran O'Harran (1-1, 11.65), RHP Max Meier (2-0, 11.57).MLB alumni: Bob Boone, Steve Buechele, Jack McDowell, Mike Mussina, Jeffrey Hammonds, A.J. Hinch, Kyle Peterson, Paul Carey, Ed Sprague, Ryan Garko, Drew Storen, Michael Taylor, Stephen Piscotty, Tommy Edman.Short hops: Team's .319 batting average is highest since the 2004 squad batted .328. ... Pac-12 pitcher of year Mathews threw 156 pitches in second game of super regional. He has thrown more than 100 pitches in 15 starts, and his 120 innings are most in the nation. ... Esquer is Pac-12 coach of year for third time since 2018. ... Rios is Pac-12 player of year.Quotable: “Have you ever seen an ending like that, because I haven’t. That was unbelievable.” — Esquer, on the winning run in Game 3 of the super regional scoring when Texas' outfielders lost a fly ball in the twilight sky.___LSU (48-15)<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-louisiana-state-tigers-southeastern-conference-20c261371d4979c44118261243be2091">Coach: Jay Johnson</a>&nbsp;(88-37 in two years at LSU; 405-209 in 11 years overall).Road to Omaha: Won Baton Rouge Regional: beat Tulane 72, beat Oregon State 6-5, beat Oregon State 13-7. Won Baton Rouge Super Regional: beat Kentucky 14-0,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kentucky-lsu-college-baseball-ncaa-super-regionals-86fb04175c627beb94f7d59cee087f87">beat Kentucky 8-3.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-1 (vs. Tennessee)Last CWS appearance: 2017.All-time record in CWS: 40-27 in 18 appearances (won national titles in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009).Meet the Tigers: C Hayden Travinski (.404, 10 HRs, 29 RBIs), 1B Tre' Morgan (.312, 22, 97), 2B Gavin Dugas (.288, 15, 42), SS Jordan Thompson (.273, 11, 49), 3B Tommy White (.377, 22, 97), LF Josh Pearson (.252, 3, 25), CF Dylan Crews (.434, 17, 67), RF Brayden Jobert (.302, 11, 42), DH Cade Beloso (.316, 14, 41). Starting rotation: RHP Paul Skenes (12-2, 1.77 ERA), RHP Ty Floyd (7-0, 4.50). Relievers: LHP Riley Cooper (4-3, 5.02), RHP Gavin Guidry (3-0, 3.42, 3 saves), RHP Blake Money (1-0, 5.73), LHP Nate Ackenhausen (2-0, 3.63), LHP Griffin Herring (4-2, 4.55), RHP Thatcher Hurd (6-2, 6.49, 3 saves), RHP Sam Dutton (0-0, 6.05), LHP Javen Coleman (1-2, 6.39).MLB alumni: Albert Belle, Alex Bregman, Paul Byrd, Jake Fraley, Kevin Gausman, Will Harris, Brad Hawpe, Aaron Hill, Alex Lange, DJ LeMahieu, Ben McDonald, Aaron Nola, Austin Nola, Todd Walker, Brian Wilson.Short hops: Tigers’ six national titles are second to Southern California’s 12. ...&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lsu-mlb-draft-crews-skenes-7ee1d23e0c418f2a5b87782c0a25a831">Crews and Skenes are projected 1-2 overall picks</a>&nbsp;in the amateur draft. ... Crews' .434 batting average is highest among players in the CWS and is third nationally. His on-base percentage is .667 in the tournament. ... Skenes' 15.81 strikeouts per nine innings this season lead the nation. ... Tigers' 133 homers are most among CWS teams.Quotable: "They've earned the right to play for a national championship, and that's what we intend on doing and going for it. And I will not promise we'll win it, but everything will be invested by everybody to go do that.” — Johnson.___TENNESSEE (43-20)Coach: Tony Vitello (234-97 in six years at Tennessee).Road to Omaha: Won Clemson Regional: beat Charlotte 8-1, beat Clemson 6-5, beat Charlotte 9-2. Won Hattiesburg Super Regional: lost to Southern Mississippi 5-3, beat Southern Mississippi 8-4,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southern-miss-tennessee-86014fcf3d44d31a8025b97d3939bac1">beat Southern Mississippi 5-0.</a>2023 record vs. CWS teams: 2-4 (1-2 vs. LSU, 1-2 vs. Florida).Last CWS appearance: 2021.All-time record in CWS: 8-10 in five appearances.Meet the Volunteers: C Cal Stark (.181, 5 HRs, 17 RBIs), 1B Blake Burke (.279, 16, 43), 2B Christian Moore (.313, 17, 48), SS Maui Ahuna (.302, 8, 41), 3B Zane Denton (.274, 16, 58), LF Jared Dickey (.325, 12, 51), CF Hunter Ensley (.279, 28, 76), RF Christian Scott (.282, 7, 34), DH Griffin Merritt (.315, 18, 48). Starting rotation: RHP Andrew Lindsey (3-3, 2.79 ERA), RHP Chase Dollander (7-6, 4.50), RHP Drew Beam (9-4, 3.78). Relievers: RHP Chase Burns (4-3, 4.64), RHP Aaron Combs (4-0, 2.61), RHP Camden Sewell (4-0, 3.91), RHP Seth Halvorsen (3-3, 3.60), RHP AJ Russell (2-0, 0.94), LHP Zander Sechrist (0-1, 2.05), LHP Kirby Connell (1-0, 3.77), RHP Hollis Fanning (0-0, 0.66).MLB alumni: Todd Helton, Phil Garner, Rick Honeycutt, Luke Hochevar, R.A. Dickey, Joe Randa, Mike Difelice, Bubba Trammell, Chris Burke, Mike Lincoln, Steve Searcy, Nick Senzel.Short hops: Volunteers are one of three programs in at least two of the past three CWS, joining Stanford and Virginia. ... Burns has allowed one earned run in 10 innings over three appearances. ... Over past three seasons, Vols have hit NCAA-leading 381 home runs. In the previous decade (2010-20), they hit 376 combined. ... Denton and Moore each have homered four times in six games, and Moore also has four doubles.Quotable: “We kind of carve our own way out by being a team that consistently makes progress and figures things out. About halfway through the year they took ownership of the team — the players, that is — and they've continued to push forward and they have room to continue to do that.” — Vitello.

Get to know your College World Series field

&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. --&nbsp;Chadron State junior defensive lineman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/sports/football/roster/hunter-o-connor/4610">Hunter O'Connor</a>&nbsp;has been named to the&nbsp;Lindy's Sports 2023 National College Football Magazine&nbsp;Division II Preseason All-America First Team. O'Connor, a Broomfield, Colorado, native was tabbed First Team Defensive Line after recording 16 sacks during the 2022 season, ranking him as the national statistical runner-up in NCAA Division II. That figure broke the CSC single-season sack record held by Casey Beran and Scott Dolfi. O'Connor also recorded 24 tackles for loss, ranking him fourth in the nation. He led the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) in both categories. O'Connor was also selected to the D2Football.com Elite 100 List, AFCA 2nd&nbsp;Team All American, Don Hansen 2nd&nbsp;Team All-American, and named a finalist of the Cliff Harris award at the conclusion of the 2022 season. The RMAC had two other selections on the first-team. Returning Harlon Hill Trophy winner John Matocha of Colorado School of Mines was the first-team quarterback, while Daniel Bone of CSU-Pueblo earned first-team nods at defensive back.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686751182374.png" alt="Hunter OConner CSC" />
 <figcaption>Hunter OConner CSC</figcaption>
 </figure>BY: JOHN MURPHY CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp; CHADRON, Neb. --&nbsp;Chadron State junior defensive lineman&nbsp;<a href="https://chadroneagles.com/sports/football/roster/hunter-o-connor/4610">Hunter O'Connor</a>&nbsp;has been named to the&nbsp;Lindy's Sports 2023 National College Football Magazine&nbsp;Division II Preseason All-America First Team. O'Connor, a Broomfield, Colorado, native was tabbed First Team Defensive Line after recording 16 sacks during the 2022 season, ranking him as the national statistical runner-up in NCAA Division II. That figure broke the CSC single-season sack record held by Casey Beran and Scott Dolfi. O'Connor also recorded 24 tackles for loss, ranking him fourth in the nation. He led the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) in both categories. O'Connor was also selected to the D2Football.com Elite 100 List, AFCA 2nd&nbsp;Team All American, Don Hansen 2nd&nbsp;Team All-American, and named a finalist of the Cliff Harris award at the conclusion of the 2022 season. The RMAC had two other selections on the first-team. Returning Harlon Hill Trophy winner John Matocha of Colorado School of Mines was the first-team quarterback, while Daniel Bone of CSU-Pueblo earned first-team nods at defensive back.

CSC defensive star O'Conner named Preseason 1st Team All-American

BOSTON (AP) — Randal Grichuk lined a two-run double in a three-run 10th inning and Colorado held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6 on Tuesday night, giving the Rockies their second straight win at Fenway Park.

Jurickson Profar added a sacrifice fly in the 10th and as the Rockies improved to 13-21 on the road. They had lost eight of 10 away games before arriving in Boston.

“It was a good team win. A lot of guys in a lot of different spots helped out,” Colorado manager Bud Black said.

With an automatic runner on second, Justin Garza (0-1) walked Nolan Jones starting the 10th and Grichuk lined the first pitch he saw down the left-field line and Profar boosted the lead to 7-4.

“It was good to see Randal get the big hit there,” Black said. “I know he’s been frustrated a couple different times over the last couple of weeks with some opportunities. He’s too good of a player not to contribute and get some big hits for us. And I still think there’s more to come.”

Rafael Devers led off the bottom half against Matt Carasiti with his second two-run homer of the game, his 17th home run this season. After a one-out walk, Pierce Johnson retired Christian Arroyo on a flyout and struck out Reese McGuire for his 12th save in 14 chances.

Elias Díaz hit a three-run double in the third and Brenton Doyle added an RBI double in the fourth as Colorado built a 4-0 lead against Kutter Crawford.

Boston, extended to extra innings in three straight games for the first time since June 25-28, 2000, went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base. The Red Sox dropped to 33-35, last in the AL East.

"We've just got to play well. That's it," Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Two extra-inning games — it's kind of like a flip of a coin, right? A man at second with no outs and you go throw from there. Obviously, yesterday we didn't play well. Today, we played OK. We played better. We didn't pitch the way we've been pitching lately.”

Colorado's Chase Anderson allowed three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Colorado reliever Daniel Bard (3-0), a 2006 first-round draft pick by the Red Sox who pitched for Boston from 2009-13, got the win for the second straight night in his return to Fenway, sitting the Red Sox down in order in the ninth.

“I couldn’t script it any better. It’s still kind of surreal. I don’t know if I’ll throw tomorrow. That’d be wild,” Bard said.

Bard started the ninth by striking out Verdugo, then retired Masataka Yoshida on a groundout and Justin Turner on a flyout.

“I liked how he was sort of prowling around the mound,” Black said. “There was a confidence there. There was a body language that showed with Daniel and that’s a really good sign.”

Black was also pleased with Doyle, who caught Verdugo at the plate in the fifth on a throw clocked at 99.2 mph,.

“That was a great throw,” Black said.

Red Sox: Cora said he is taking INF Kiké Hernández out of the rotation at shortstop one day after Hernández committed his major league-leading 14th error. “I told him this is where we’re at right now and he understands,” Cora said. The Red Sox are still without SS Trevor Story, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery and said this week he hopes to be able to return as DH in July, possibly taking the field in August.

Rockies LHP Austin Gomber (4-5, 7.57 ERA) goes up against Red Sox RHP Garrett Whitlock (3-2, 4.78 ERA) on Wednesday night in the finale of the three-game series.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750549398.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BOSTON (AP) — Randal Grichuk lined a two-run double in a three-run 10th inning and Colorado held on to beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6 on Tuesday night, giving the Rockies their second straight win at Fenway Park.Jurickson Profar added a sacrifice fly in the 10th and as the Rockies improved to 13-21 on the road. They had lost eight of 10 away games before arriving in Boston.“It was a good team win. A lot of guys in a lot of different spots helped out,” Colorado manager Bud Black said.With an automatic runner on second, Justin Garza (0-1) walked Nolan Jones starting the 10th and Grichuk lined the first pitch he saw down the left-field line and Profar boosted the lead to 7-4.“It was good to see Randal get the big hit there,” Black said. “I know he’s been frustrated a couple different times over the last couple of weeks with some opportunities. He’s too good of a player not to contribute and get some big hits for us. And I still think there’s more to come.”Rafael Devers led off the bottom half against Matt Carasiti with his second two-run homer of the game, his 17th home run this season. After a one-out walk, Pierce Johnson retired Christian Arroyo on a flyout and struck out Reese McGuire for his 12th save in 14 chances.Elias Díaz hit a three-run double in the third and Brenton Doyle added an RBI double in the fourth as Colorado built a 4-0 lead against Kutter Crawford.Boston, extended to extra innings in three straight games for the first time since June 25-28, 2000, went 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base. The Red Sox dropped to 33-35, last in the AL East."We've just got to play well. That's it," Boston manager Alex Cora said. “Two extra-inning games — it's kind of like a flip of a coin, right? A man at second with no outs and you go throw from there. Obviously, yesterday we didn't play well. Today, we played OK. We played better. We didn't pitch the way we've been pitching lately.”Colorado's Chase Anderson allowed three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings.THE BARDColorado reliever Daniel Bard (3-0), a 2006 first-round draft pick by the Red Sox who pitched for Boston from 2009-13, got the win for the second straight night in his return to Fenway, sitting the Red Sox down in order in the ninth.“I couldn’t script it any better. It’s still kind of surreal. I don’t know if I’ll throw tomorrow. That’d be wild,” Bard said.Bard started the ninth by striking out Verdugo, then retired Masataka Yoshida on a groundout and Justin Turner on a flyout.“I liked how he was sort of prowling around the mound,” Black said. “There was a confidence there. There was a body language that showed with Daniel and that’s a really good sign.”Black was also pleased with Doyle, who caught Verdugo at the plate in the fifth on a throw clocked at 99.2 mph,.“That was a great throw,” Black said.FIELDING FOIBLESRed Sox: Cora said he is taking INF Kiké Hernández out of the rotation at shortstop one day after Hernández committed his major league-leading 14th error. “I told him this is where we’re at right now and he understands,” Cora said. The Red Sox are still without SS Trevor Story, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery and said this week he hopes to be able to return as DH in July, possibly taking the field in August.UP NEXTRockies LHP Austin Gomber (4-5, 7.57 ERA) goes up against Red Sox RHP Garrett Whitlock (3-2, 4.78 ERA) on Wednesday night in the finale of the three-game series.

Mid-summer magic: Rockies win third straight game in final inning

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three-time Olympian Jordan Larson will return to Nebraska to be a full-time assistant, coach John Cook announced Tuesday.

Larson starred with the Cornhuskers from 2005-08 before excelling on the international level. She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-volleyball-usa-brazil-final-1194cd92c9ca1391530f1644517ca608">team captain and named most valuable player for the U.S. team that won its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo</a>&nbsp;in 2021.

The 36-year-old Larson plans to play in September qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics and then will join the Huskers' staff.

She grew up an hour north of Lincoln, in Hooper, and led Nebraska teams that were the NCAA runner-up in 2005 and national champion in 2006. She was on the Olympic teams that took the silver medal in 2012 and the bronze in 2016, and she helped lead the United States to the 2014 world championship.

“I am very excited to be returning to Nebraska,” Larson said. “I can’t wait to learn and help the next generation of volleyball players. It has felt so good to be home even for a short time, and I can’t wait to join the team in the fall. I really appreciate John giving me this opportunity."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686750434984.jpeg" alt="Jordan Larson" />
 <figcaption>Jordan Larson</figcaption>
 </figure>LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Three-time Olympian Jordan Larson will return to Nebraska to be a full-time assistant, coach John Cook announced Tuesday.Larson starred with the Cornhuskers from 2005-08 before excelling on the international level. She was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2020-tokyo-olympics-volleyball-usa-brazil-final-1194cd92c9ca1391530f1644517ca608">team captain and named most valuable player for the U.S. team that won its first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo</a>&nbsp;in 2021.The 36-year-old Larson plans to play in September qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics and then will join the Huskers' staff.She grew up an hour north of Lincoln, in Hooper, and led Nebraska teams that were the NCAA runner-up in 2005 and national champion in 2006. She was on the Olympic teams that took the silver medal in 2012 and the bronze in 2016, and she helped lead the United States to the 2014 world championship.“I am very excited to be returning to Nebraska,” Larson said. “I can’t wait to learn and help the next generation of volleyball players. It has felt so good to be home even for a short time, and I can’t wait to join the team in the fall. I really appreciate John giving me this opportunity."

Jordan Larson returning to Husker volleyball as assistant coach

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic guided Denver to its first NBA title in team history Monday night, as the Nuggets overcame dreadful shooting and a late flurry from Miami's Jimmy Butler to squeeze past the Heat for a frantic 94-89 victory in Game 5.

Jokic had 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Nuggets, and earned NBA Finals MVP honors — a trophy certainly more meaningful to him than the two overall MVPs he won in 2021 and '22.

He bailed out the Nuggets, going 12 for 16 from the floor on a night when none of his teammates could find the basket. Denver missed 20 of its first 22 3-point attempts and seven of its first 13 free throws, yet somehow figured out how to close out the series on its home floor.

Butler scored eight straight points to help the Heat take an 87-86 lead with 2:45 left after trailing by seven. He made two more free throws with 1:58 remaining to help Miami regain a one-point lead. Then, Bruce Brown got an offensive rebound and tip-in to give the Nuggets the lead for good.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1686628033093.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic guided Denver to its first NBA title in team history Monday night, as the Nuggets overcame dreadful shooting and a late flurry from Miami's Jimmy Butler to squeeze past the Heat for a frantic 94-89 victory in Game 5.Jokic had 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Nuggets, and earned NBA Finals MVP honors — a trophy certainly more meaningful to him than the two overall MVPs he won in 2021 and '22.He bailed out the Nuggets, going 12 for 16 from the floor on a night when none of his teammates could find the basket. Denver missed 20 of its first 22 3-point attempts and seven of its first 13 free throws, yet somehow figured out how to close out the series on its home floor.Butler scored eight straight points to help the Heat take an 87-86 lead with 2:45 left after trailing by seven. He made two more free throws with 1:58 remaining to help Miami regain a one-point lead. Then, Bruce Brown got an offensive rebound and tip-in to give the Nuggets the lead for good.Trailing by three with 15 seconds left, Butler jacked up a 3, but missed it. Brown made two free throws to put the game out of reach and clinch the title for Denver.Butler finished with 21 points.This was an ugly, frenetic affair, but the aftermath was something the Nuggets and their fans could all agree was beautiful. Denver is the home of the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in the franchise’s 47 years in the league.“It was ugly and we couldn’t make shots, but at the end we figured it out,” Jokic said. "I am just happy we won the game.”The Heat were, as coach Erik Spoelstra promised, a gritty, tenacious bunch. But their shooting wasn’t great, either. Bam Adebayo had 20 for the Heat, but Miami shot 34% from the floor and 25% from 3. Until Butler went off, he was 2 for 13 for eight points.The Heat, who survived a loss in the play-in tournament and became only the second No. 8 seed to make it to the finals, insisted they weren’t into consolation prizes.They played like they expected to win, and for a while during this game, which was settled more on the ground than in the air, it looked like they would.The Nuggets, who came in shooting 37.6% from 3 for the series, shot 18% in this one. They committed 14 turnovers. They only went 13 for 23 from the line, though Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were 4 for 4 at the end while Denver was salting away the win.With 2:51 left in the first quarter, Jokic got his second foul and joined Aaron Gordon on the bench.The Nuggets were tentative on both sides of the court for the rest of the half. Somehow, after shooting 6.7% from 3 — the worst first half in the history of the finals (10-shot minimum) they only trailed by seven.