OMAHA, Neb. -- Two games couldn't decide the 2009 College World Series champion, so let's play three.
Texas rode the arm of Taylor Jungmann, who struck out seven and tossed a complete-game four-hitter to help the Longhorns beat LSU 5-1 and force a third and deciding game that will be played at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Rosenblatt Stadium.
While Jungmann was shutting down the Tiger bats, his offense gave him plenty of support with a 12-hit effort, led by Preston Clark's 3-for-4 performance. he hit a solo home run in the second inning, and Russell Moldenhauer added his fourth home run of the tournament in the third to give Jungmann the run support he would need and keep alive the hopes of the top-seeded Longhorns.
It was an unusual night for the third-seeded Tigers, however. A team that has averaged more than nine runs a game during the College World Series was completely shut down, limited to a second-inning run off a throwing error that allowed Jared Mitchell to score from second.
Texas never trailed in the game, breaking the ice in the top of the first when Michael Torres scored on Brandon Belt's single to right. Clark homered in the second to make it 2-1, and Texas broke it open in the third when Moldenhauer homered, Connor Rowe hit an RBI double to left and Clark singled to left.
LSU had chances to score throughout the game, but Jungmann shut the Tigers down at every opportunity. LSU left runners in scoring position in the third, eighth and ninth innings, but were unable to bring the runs home.
So now it comes down to this -- two of the most dominant programs in college baseball with one game to decide the champion. The third game is set to start a 6 p.m., with the winner walking away as College World Series champions.
Get your tickets now at Ticket Express -- where no College World Series game is ever sold out.
Monday, June 22
Game 1 -- LSU 7, Texas 6, 11 inn.
Tuesday, June 23
Game 2 -- Texas 5, LSU 1 (Series tied 1-1)
Wednesday, June 24
Game 3 -- LSU (55-17) vs. Texas (50-15-1), 6 p.m.
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