LSU’s starting pitcher for Game 3 of CWS title vs. Florida revealed, per report

LSU will reportedly start RHP Thatcher Hurd in Monday’s Game 3 CWS title matchup against Florida, per LSU beat writer Leah Vann.

Hurd is a sophomore UCLA transfer who holds a 7-2 record in 57.1 innings pitched. His ERA is 5.97 and he will match up against Florida’s Jac Caglianone.

Jay Johnson and LSU have not revealed any information about whether or not Paul Skenes will play Monday night, though it is now known that if he does play it will be in relief out of the bullpen. After throwing 120 pitches on Thursday and 129 a week prior, it seemed unlikely that he would start Game 3 anyway.

On the other hand, it seems unlikely that he will not make an appearance in the biggest game of the season, even if just for an inning or 2. Time will tell.

Thatcher Hurd is starting today #LSU

— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) June 26, 2023

The Tigers are looking to bounce back from a truly dismal performance in Game 2 against the Gators, one where Florida broke multiple NCAA records in a 24-4 bombardment.

Winning will depend on how quickly the top of LSU’s order can get to Caglianone. Whether or not Skenes plays, Florida definitely has the pitching advantage in tonight’s game.

We’ll see how effective Skenes can be on 3-days’ rest. In a normal situation the outlook would be grim, but don’t expect the nation’s top pitcher to falter at a time like this.

Monday’s game starts at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

Ethan Stone

Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.