Jay Johnson shares how he celebrated LSU’s comeback win over Arkansas
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Jay Johnson celebrated a come-from-behind win over Arkansas like a king: with 2 a.m. Papa John’s pizza and Scott Van Pelt.
The LSU baseball coach went on SiriusXM radio Thursday afternoon and discussed how he celebrated the Tigers’ 6-5 win over Arkansas on Wednesday night. LSU trailed 3-2 going into the bottom of the eighth inning and then trailed 5-3 going into the bottom of the ninth. But the Tigers answered the moment in each frame — with a few gifts along the way from the Razorbacks — and advanced to the College World Series final.
“I’m just sitting in my room like, ‘That really just happened,'” Johnson said.
Arkansas had a chance to end the game in the ninth when Steven Milam grounded to short and Razorback shortstop Wehiwa Aloy opted for the force out at third base rather than trying for a double play. LSU’s Luis Hernandez then doubled to left field to tie the game at 5-5. Jared Jones stepped in and singled to center field off the glove of Cam Kozeal, plating the game’s winning run.
It was an electric ending to a brilliant game. Unsurprisingly, Johnson had trouble going to sleep afterward.
Asked when he finally hit the hay, he admitted it was almost 3 a.m. local time.
“I watched SportsCenter like 5 times. You know how they just keep replaying it? I was so locked in during the game, it was like, wow, it’s kind of cool just to watch these highlights,” Johnson said. “It’s awesome to have your program leading off SportsCenter, Scott Van Pelt, and all that stuff.”
Former Tiger Tre’ Morgan also stopped by to visit with Johnson. Players were joined by family at the team hotel. Everyone soaked up the moment in their own way.
“I really think there’s an art to this, too. If you don’t enjoy what we just accomplished and don’t let the players take a second to do that, it’s like, what the hell are we even doing this for?” Johnson said. “I wanted them to enjoy last night. Families came back to the hotel, awesome scene, totally LSU baseball, then we had a quick team meeting.
“… My rule for them: You advance a round in the postseason, we go eat a steak, so at 4 o’clock tonight, they’re gonna go eat a steak. And then at 9:30 tonight, that’s kind of the turning point for the finals.”
On Saturday, the Tigers meet Coastal Carolina for the title. The first game of the 3-game series begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
