Josh Rivera commends Tre Morgan, LSU for crucial bunt save
Sometimes, all you can do is your tip your cap. Despite preparing to face off against the Tigers, Florida shortstop Josh Rivera did just that to LSU‘s Tre’ Morgan.
On Thursday, Morgan saved the Tigers season. With LSU and Wake Forest both scoreless and a Demon Deacon on third, Wake Forest went for a bunt in the bottom of the eighth inning to deliver a death blow.
Morgan showed off his awareness when he sprinted down the first-base line, tossing the ball to home plate just in time to prevent a Wake Forest run. The Demon Deacons challenged the play, but the call was upheld, and the runner was out.
Three innings later, LSU sophomore Tommy White hit a two-run shot to send the Tigers to College World Series Championship, where they will face off against Florida. After the game, Rivera was asked about the Morgan’s stunning play. He had nothing but good things to say.
“That play was huge. Tre’ Morgan is a very athletic first baseman. They’ve put him out there in the outfield quite a bit. Like you said, practicing that play over and over again, it can develop some muscle memory,” Rivera said.
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Rivera will have no muscle memory to go on against the Tigers. Despite playing in the same conference, the two programs did not meet this season. Nevertheless, with Rivera by their side, the Gators always have a fighting chance.
The 6-foot-2 junior was selected to the 2023 First Team All-SEC after batting .361 this season and driving in 71 runs. If Rivera’s praise is worth its weight in gold, Morgan is rich.
“In that moment, especially in that big of a game, I feel like it was just definitely the athleticism. He showed off his athleticism to charge very aggressively and go all out and dive and make a clean, accurate throw to home plate,” Rivera said. “It was very special to watch. And like you said, doing that play over and over again at practice develops that muscle memory to help with that.”
Rivera and the Gators won’t have much time for any more practice. Florida will square off against LSU at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday in Game 1 of the championship series. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.