LSU saw a 2-0 lead slip away against Wake Forest on Monday, putting the top-ranked Demon Deacons one win away from the College World Series finals. The Tigers are aiming to prevent Wake Forest from getting that win.
For LSU, the mission is the same it was in Tuesday’s elimination game against Tennessee: Just make it to tomorrow. That mentality takes on an even greater meaning Wednesday, as a win over Wake Forest could allow the Tigers to start ace Paul Skenes in a win-and-in game for both teams on Thursday.
If LSU’s season is on the line in the late innings on Wednesday, could Jay Johnson use Skenes on short rest? The Tigers coach’s bold decisions have largely paid off in Omaha to this point.
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Wake Forest’s talented lineup, led by Brock Wilken, refused to go away in Monday’s win over LSU and is likely to give the Tigers’ staff more of a challenge than Tennessee did. The Demon Deacons earned the top seed in this tournament by their refusal to quit, and without a top LSU arm on the mound, Wake Forest might have an opportunity for an offensive breakthrough after scoring only six runs across their first two games in Omaha.
The path forward for both teams is getting simpler. A Wake Forest win would send the Demon Deacons to the finals. An LSU win would set up a winner-take-all game on Thursday. The stakes are higher than ever.
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The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Wednesday’s College World Series semifinals game between Wake Forest and LSU. Follow along with all of the key moments.
Wake Forest vs. LSU baseball score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | F | |
| Wake Forest | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| LSU | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
Wake Forest vs. LSU live updates, highlights from College World Series
(All times Eastern)
6:43 p.m. — Tonight’s pitching matchup: LSU’s Javen Coleman vs. Wake Forest’s Seth Keener.
6:25 p.m. — Here’s how Wake Forest has set its lineup for tonight’s game.
Wake Forest starting lineup tonight against LSU:
CF Tommy Hawke
LF Lucas Costello
1B Nick Kurtz
3B Brock Wilken
2B Justin Johnson
RF Pierce Bennett
DH Danny Corona
C Bennett Lee
SS Marek HoustonSP Seth Keener
— Essex Thayer (@essexthayer7) June 21, 2023
6:16 p.m. — Dylan Crews homered last night and is leading off again tonight. Could this be his final collegiate game?
Geaux Tigers pic.twitter.com/ndGA5sGjdd
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) June 21, 2023
How to watch Wake Forest vs. LSU
The College World Series semifinal matchup between Wake Forest and LSU will be broadcast on ESPN. Viewers can also follow the action on ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
Karl Ravech will be on the play-by-play call, with Eduardo Perez and Kyle Peterson in the booth as analysts. Reporter Kris Budden will round out ESPN’s coverage.
How to watch 2023 College World Series
- Date: June 16-25 or 26
- Location: Charles Schwab Field Omaha, Omaha, Neb.
- TV channels: ESPN, ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo
ESPN will continue its coverage of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament with the 2023 College World Series. Games will be shown on ESPN and ESPN2.
Fans will also be able to stream the games on ESPN+ or on Fubo, which offers a free trial.
College World Series schedule
Wednesday, June 21
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 11: Florida 3, TCU 2 | 2 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
| Game 12: Wake Forest vs. LSU | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Thursday, June 22
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Wake Forest vs. LSU (if Wake Forest loses Game 12) | 7 p.m. | ESPN2, Fubo |
Saturday, June 24: College World Series finals Game 1
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Florida vs. Bracket 2 winner | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Sunday, June 25: College World Series finals Game 2
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Florida vs. Bracket 2 winner | 3 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
Monday, June 27: College World Series finals Game 3*
| Game | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Florida vs. Bracket 2 winner | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Fubo |
* – If necessary
