Gators Claim First CWS Title, Fulfilling Program's Promise
Baseball America|July 21 2017

As fireworks lit up the Omaha skyline above TD Ameritrade Park and blue and orange streamers soared over the infield, Florida fell into a raucous dogpile between the mound and first base.

Teddy Cahill
Gators Claim First CWS Title, Fulfilling Program's Promise

Florida had just defeated Louisiana State, 6-1, on June 27 in Game 2 of the College World Series finals to complete a sweep and win the first national championship in program history. Righthander Alex Faedo was named Most Outstanding Player after two dominant starts in the first week of the tournament carried the Gators to the finals.

The victory left coach Kevin O’Sullivan, who has led the Gators to Omaha six times in the last eight seasons, speechless even an hour after the final out.

“You never know how you’re going to feel when you get the last out in the College World Series, and I’m still kind of numb,” he said. “Just overwhelmed with emotions for our players.”

Florida (52-19) relied on its elite rotation all spring and throughout the CWS. But because of how the schedule fell, the Gators were unable to start any of their trio of Faedo, Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar. Instead, Florida called on freshman righthander Tyler Dyson, typically its setup man, to make just his second career start against LSU lefthander Jared Poche’, the winningest pitcher in program history.

Dyson outdueled Poche’, holding the Tigers (52-20) to one run on three hits and two walks in six innings. He turned a lead over to closer Michael Byrne as he had done so many times this season.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night, thinking about this game,” Dyson said. “I just went out there and executed the pitch call.”

LSU, however, didn’t make anything easy for Florida. The Gators grabbed an early lead with one run in both of the first two innings, but they were unable to expand it against Poche’. And the Tigers’ potent offense threatened late in the game.

This story is from the July 21 2017 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the July 21 2017 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BASEBALL AMERICAView All
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Baseball America

HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Baseball America

ORGANIZATION REPORTS

Blaze Alexander entered spring training as a long shot to make the team, but there he was on March 28, starting and batting seventh in the D-backs’ Opening Day lineup.

time-read
10+ mins  |
May 2024
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Baseball America

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Louisville Slugger makes Prime bat 30% harder by dipping into 1902 company patent

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Baseball America

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

After narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament last year, UC Irvine is determined to finish strong

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024
MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
Baseball America

MORE HARM THAN GOOD?

Dramatically scaling back young pitchers’ workloads has failed to keep them healthier

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2024
GEM COLLECTOR
Baseball America

GEM COLLECTOR

In just four years, Diamond Baseball Holdings has become the most powerful owner ever in Minor League Baseball. What is the plan for their 33 teams—and counting?

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2024
LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL
Baseball America

LIFE AFTER AFFILIATED BALL

For many minor league teams that lost their MLB affiliations, it has been business as usual— with some unexpected benefits

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024
EARNING POWER
Baseball America

EARNING POWER

A dramatic upgrade to playing conditions for minor leaguersincluding pay, housing and nutrition has made pro baseball economically viable for all players

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
NOBODY'S PERFECT
Baseball America

NOBODY'S PERFECT

No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile

time-read
4 mins  |
March/April 2024
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Baseball America

ORGANIZATION REPORTS

At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024