Jac Caglianone hit his 34th home run of his junior season during Florida’s 5-4 win over NC State in the College World Series. It was a historic hit in more ways than one considering the game it came in and the records that it tied or set.
Following the victory, Caglianone discussed the feeling of tying Matt Laporta for the program’s career home run record at 74. He said it was a special accomplishment to have, especially with LaPorta being present throughout this season and in Omaha. However, its significance within the game was just as noteworthy.
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“It’s a great feeling,” said Caglianone. “Mr. LaPorta has reached out countless times throughout the year. He’s here with his kids and family, watching that.”
“It was a special moment for sure. But at the end of the day I was too caught up in trying to win keep staying here, surviving, and advancing,” Caglianone said.
The three-run home run came at the top of the second for Caglianone. A flyout from Cade Kurland had just tied the game at one in a bases loaded situation. Caglianone then scored the rest of them two pitches later with the 404-foot swing that ended up being the difference. It gave Florida a 4-1 advantage that they’d never give back up.
Caglianone now sits alone in single-season home runs with 34, including five during the course of the postseason. He also finds himself tied with Laporta and needs just one more to set the new school record of 75.
Caglianone will have at least one more appearance to achieve that in tonight’s elimination matchup with Kentucky. If it does come this evening, though, hopefully it will again be in a spot for Caglianone and the Gators that’s as important to the game as it is to their history books.
Caglianone after College World Series win: ‘There’s no quit in this team’
In facing elimination, Florida defeated NC State at 5-4 to keep its season alive at the College World Series.
Jac Caglianone‘s three-run home run in the top of the second inning set the tone for the victory. He also finished with a couple of walks — much to the dismay of the Florida faithful — while making the start on the mound too. 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.
“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.”
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.”
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