OMAHA, Neb. (WVUE) - Cade Beloso’s 11th-inning tiebreaking home run sealed the victory for the LSU Tigers in Game 1 of the 2023 College World Series Final over the Florida Gators.

It was the first extra-inning home run in CWS Finals history.

Beloso’s blast came after LSU left fielder Josh Pearson made a leaping catch to keep Florida from scoring the winning run in the 10th.

Beloso sent Florida closer Brandon Neely’s second pitch over the right-field fence, raised his left index finger to the sky as he rounded third, and stuck out his tongue as he crossed home plate. He beat his chest, pulled on the front of his jersey a couple of times, and chest-bumped pitcher Ty Floyd, who tied a record in his own right, on his way into the dugout.

“The previous at-bat, he struck me out on three straight heaters and I figured he would go back to it,” Beloso said. “They weren’t going to switch anything up. I got one I was supposed to swing at and put a good swing on it.”

Floyd struck out a career-high 17 for the most in a College World Series game in 51 years.

SEE ALSO: LSU takes Game 1 on Beloso go-ahead HR in 11th; Floyd electric with 17 Ks

“Baseball is a tough game, and when runners get on, that’s when pitchers make their best pitches,” Beloso said. “In terms of not getting the job done, no one was freaking out about it. We just keep playing and know eventually we’ll come through.”

Beloso’s love for the sport began in St. Bernard Parish, where he played for the Borgnemouth Braves at 4 years old. He was inducted into the St. Bernard Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

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