Facing elimination, Florida defeated NC State 5-4 to keep its season alive at the College World Series on Monday.
Jac Caglianone‘s three-run home run in the top of the second inning set the tone for the victory, who finished with a couple of walks — much to the dismay of the Florida faithful — while also making the start on the mound. He only lasted through the first inning, but the bullpen carried his weight for the final eight innings while he went to work at the plate.
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“Honestly, there’s no quit in this team. We just play for each other,” Caglianone said after the game. “That’s we’ve been doing this whole postseason and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.”
One of the biggest points of emphasis for Caglianone throughout the year is how to maintain composure during those high-pressure two-way days like he was tasked with on Monday. While it didn’t work out on the mound, keeping his mind clear and moving on was exactly what he did as his home run came in the next half inning after his pitching performance.
He finished his lone inning with 33 pitches while allowed two walks, one hit and a run before being relieved by Cade Fisher in the second.
As for the walks, Caglianone had nothing but great things to say about the NC State pitching staff.
“They’re a really talented team, all of their arms are really talented,” he said. “So, you know, just fighting in and out everyday, every AB, every pitch and take advantage of the opportunities that I do get.”
And to those who still don’t believes the Gators belong in Omaha — Caglianone sent a short but sweet message to them before departing to the celebration in the dugout.
“I mean, we’re here.”
Now Florida’s season will continue into Tuesday, where the Gators will once again look toward Caglianone to play the hero once again.
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