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Florida vs. NC State will kick off Monday’s College World Series action from Bracket 2. The winner will advance to get another game on Tuesday while the loser of Monday’s game will head home.
Both teams headed to the loser’s bracket after losing in Saturday’s action, and both lost in dramatic 1-run affairs. NC State fell to Kentucky in the early game while Florida fell to Texas A&M in a weather-delayed nightcap.
Facing Kentucky, the Wolfpack was able to tie the game at 3-all with 2 runs in the 7th inning and took a 4-3 lead in the top of the 9th. Unfortunately, NC State could not hold the lead, giving up a solo home run in the bottom of the 9th to tie it and a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th to end it.
NC State starter Sam Highfill was largely fantastic against Kentucky’s lineup, making it through 7 innings with just 3 earned runs allowed and striking out 7. Derrick Smith was one out away from getting out of the 10th and completing 2 scoreless innings of relief before he surrendered the walk-off.
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CLAIM OFFERIn the loss to Texas A&M, the Gator offense was the focal point of Florida’s struggles in a 3-2 defeat. Starting pitcher Liam Peterson was tagged for all 3 earned runs in the first 3 innings, and Florida could never get back to tying things up.
The Gators struck out 16 times in the game, though the offense did have 4 doubles and multiple chances with runners in scoring position. That includes the top of the 9th when Florida put runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs before stranding the pair.
Schedule & odds
Monday’s game has a 2 pm ET start time with a broadcast set for ESPN. ESPN Bet‘s latest odds have Florida listed at -130 vs. NC State being listed at -105.
3 keys to know
Jac Caglianone looms large
If Florida is on the field, Jac Caglianone is bound to have an impact on the game in some fashion. That goes double for Monday’s elimination game with Caglianone likely to get the start on the mound. He’s also looking for a positive performance after some rocky outings.
Though he was on the mound for a Super Regional win against Clemson, Caglianone gave up 4 earned runs while allowing 2 home runs and 3 doubles against the Tigers. In the regional round, Caglianone surrendered 4 home runs and a double in a loss to Oklahoma State.
If he can avoid those extra-base hits against the Wolfpack, it will go a long way in determining Monday’s game.
Even if Caglianone does struggle on the mound, he remains one of the best hitters in the CWS. He opened his trip to Omaha by going 2-for-3 with a double and a walk against A&M, but the rest of Florida’s bats around Caglianone did not make much noise.
The No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 hitters for the Gators went 0-for-12 against the Aggies, allowing A&M to work around Caglianone for much of the night on Saturday. Florida will need Caglianone to put the pressure on the Wolfpack and trust the other players to come up with a big hit in a big moment.
NC State needs a strong effort from its starter
NC State head coach Elliott Avent did not have his mind made up on a starting pitcher for Monday as of Sunday afternoon. However, the two options facing the Wolfpack are lefty Dominic Fritton and righty Logan Whitaker.
Fritton was 2nd on the team with 71 innings pitched this season, but he sports a 7.35 ERA compared to Whitaker’s 6.06 ERA across 52 innings (9 starts). Whitaker also does a better job at limiting home runs, surrendering just 19 walks and 10 home runs compared to 44 walks and 21 home runs allowed for Fritton.
No matter who gets the start, the pressure will be on to keep Florida’s heavy hitters around Caglianone in check. He is undoubtedly the best in the lineup, but 5 other Gators hit double-digit home runs this season, including 20 from Colby Shelton.
Can Ashton Wilson step up once again?
Ashton Wilson came on strong in the postseason, crushing 3 doubles and a home run in Florida’s regional opener against Nebraska before quickly settling into the 3rd spot in the batting order. He had 2 RBI, a double and a home run in the Super Regional clincher vs. Clemson but disappeared in the opener in Omaha.
Wilson went 0-for-4 with 4 strikeouts and a walk against the Aggies, failing to deliver a key hit when his time came. He was not alone with 5 Gators striking out 2+ times in the loss.
While Florida needs everyone hitting to advance, Wilson carries the extra distinction of batting behind Caglianone as the lineup is currently constructed. If Caglianone gets on base as expected, Wilson’s at-bats will be crucial against NC State.
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Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
