Jac Caglianone breaks Florida's single-season record with a perfect homer against NC State in College World Series
Two-way sensation Jac Caglianone continued his stellar season by scripting more history on Monday afternoon in a game against North Carolina State which unfolded in a 5-4 win for the Florida Gators. The junior broke his own record for the most home runs in a single season with his heroics against the Wolfpack in the College World Series.
Down 1-0 to the Wolfpack after the first inning, he looked to make amends after starting for the Gators on the mound and conceding a run. After striking out to Wolfpack pitcher Dominic Fritton in the first inning, the No. 3 MLB draft prospect crushed a 0-1 pitch deep into right field to score a three-run home run.
This was Caglianone's 34th home run of the season, breaking the program record of 33 he set last year. His home run followed Cade Kurland's sac fly RBI, ensuring the Gators scored four runs in the bottom of the second.
In addition, the athlete also tied Gators great Matt LaPorta for the most career home runs in team history with his 74th home run in his college baseball career.
Jac Caglianone ensures Florida Gators survive in the College World Series
Although they reached last season's College World Series final, the Gators are the only unseeded team in Omaha this year. While the odds may be against them, they have exceeded expectations, with Caglianone leading the charge.
The junior recorded his fifth home run in the season-ending tournament, signifying his growth as part of the Gators' baseball program. In addition, he has 13 runs and 13 RBI in Omaha, highlighting his importance to last season's College World Series runners-up.
Although Wolfpack's Brandon Butterworth scored the last home run of the game, the Gators' relief pitchers ensured they restricted the No. 10 seed, keeping themselves in the tournament.
Next up, they will take on the loser of the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Kentucky Wildcats.
Should the Gators win, they will take their place in the final of Bracket 2, where they will face the winner of the ongoing game between the No. 2 and No. 3 national seeds. They are keen to go one step further from last season, especially Caglianone, given this could be his last season in NCAA baseball.