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NOLE-MAHA! James Tibbs’ 3 home runs lead FSU baseball back to College World Series

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Book your trip to Omaha.

Because Florida State baseball punched its ticket to the 2024 College World Series.

In the heap of momentum, lead changes, and mental errors, FSU clawed its way to a 10-8 victory in 12 innings over Connecticut in the NCAA super regional.

It will be the first time FSU appears at the CWS since 2019.

The Seminoles needed six home runs to do so. Half of those went to ACC Player of the Year James Tibbs III.

TIbbs’ three homers changed the pace of the game. His first tied it at two in the top three. FSU captured its first lead in the top of the fifth, along with Marco Dinges’ solo.

Tibbs beat his career-best with five hits, three homers and six RBI.

Despite hitting five home runs at Dick Howser Stadium. UConn managed to find ways to get back into the game.

After three scoreless innings, the Huskies recaptured momentum in a two-run home run by Luke Broadhurst in the fifth inning and three more runs in the sixth, having FSU trailing 7-6.

Jaxson West homered in the top eight to make it a one-run lead. The game was even at 8 following UConn’s Matt Malcom’s homer.

FSU’s Jamie Arnold didn’t have a sharp day on the mound. He allowed seven hits and six runs, but in 5.1 innings, the left-handed pitcher pitched nine strikeouts and allowed no walks.

Brennan Oxford took over for 2.1 innings. Joe Charles came in for Oxford. UConn loaded the bases in the bottom eighth but was left stranded.

Connor Hults was intended to be closer but struggled after allowing two hits and a home run. Conner Whittaker relieved Hults, forcing the game to go extra innings.

After Tibbs knocked his third two-run homer in the Top 12, Whittaker clinched the game and the win with a strikeout.

The College World Series will begin on June 14 at Charles Schwab Field.

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol

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