Florida to Face LSU in 2023 Men's College World Series Finals

Florida will take on LSU in the 2023 Men's College World Series Finals, creating a rematch of the 2017 National Championship between the Gators and Tigers.

Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

In a rematch of Florida's lone National Championship victory, the No. 2 Gators (53-15) will take on the No. 5 LSU Tigers (52-16) in the final round of the 2023 Men's College World Series as determined Thursday night. 

The series will begin with Game 1 on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. ET. A best-of-three playoff, Game 2 is set for Sunday, June 25 at 3 p.m. ET and, if necessary, Game 3 is scheduled for Monday, June 26 at 7 p.m. ET. 

Each game will be broadcast on ESPN. 

While pressed by Virginia, Oral Roberts and TCU, Florida exited bracket one of the World Series undefeated after defeating each program by one run. 

A three-run rally in the ninth inning pushed the Gators past the Cavaliers in game one, four runs scored in a late 13-at-bat stretch by Oral Roberts gave Florida a legitimate scare that it overcame in game two, and a go-ahead score in the ninth inning against TCU on Wednesday secured UF its spot in the National Championship.

LSU advanced from bracket two following two rematches with Wake Forest after the programs first met in round two. Thursday's game was necessary due to the double-elimination structure of the tournament, and the Tigers took it in extra innings via Tommy White's walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the 11th. 

The 2023 Men's National Championship will mark Florida's fourth appearance in program history. The Gators defeated the Tigers to lift the trophy for the first time in 2017. 

Learning its opponent for the upcoming National Championship was not the only news UF baseball received on Thursday. 

Florida's day began with the transfer acquisition of Alabama infielder and 2022 Freshman All-American Colby Shelton. A third base/shortstop prospect from Lithia (Fla.) Bloomingdale, Shelton's 25 home runs in 2022 handily set a single-season record for Crimson Tide freshmen. 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook. 

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