LSU's Jared Jones on his walk-off hit: 'I just blacked out in the moment'

LSU stunned Arkansas 6-5 Wednesday night to clinch its second appearance in the last three seasons in the Men’s College World Series Final. The Tigers trailed 5-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth, but plated three runs courtesy of a Luis Hernandez two-run double and a Jared Jones walk-off RBI-single.

Along with the walk-off hit, Jones belted a game-tying solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to make it a 3-3 game. “Bear” Jones discussed the walk-off hit to send his team to the Final postgame.

“I did see that,” Jones responded when asked if he saw the ball tip off of Arkansas second baseman Cam Kozeal‘s glove. “I thought he had caught it honestly because it fell in behind him. But once I saw the ball hit the grass, I just blacked out in the moment, just celebrating with my teammates. Super grateful.”

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LSU’s Steven Milam seemingly grounded into a game-ending double play with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, but Arkansas shortstop Wehiwa Aloy decided to get the force-out at third instead. Luis Hernandez then made Aloy pay for his mistake, as he belted a two-run double to left field to tie the game. Jones then snuck a game-winning RBI-single over the head of Arkansas’ Kozeal into center field, propelling the Tigers to the Men’s College World Series Final against Coastal Carolina.

“I hadn’t been seeing [Gabe] Gaeckle very well this week. He struck me out five times I think in five at-bats. It was all on sliders. My approach is always to be on time for a fastball. I was lucky enough to get one in the zone and put a good swing on it to tie the game there in the ninth. They brought in [Aiden] Jimenez. He’s a great pitcher. Gotta respect his slider and was able to stay on it and do just enough to get it over the second baseman’s head. That’s about it.”

Jones has been a pivotal piece for the Tigers for three seasons and is on the verge of his second National Championship. In 186 career games, the Marietta, GA native boasts a career .313 average with 41 doubles, 64 home runs and 180 RBI. To say that Wednesday night’s walk-off added to Jones’ legacy would be an understatement. With a national title, he would go down as one of the most prolific players in program history.

“Coach [Jay] Johnson and I have had several heart-to-heart conversations throughout my career here at LSU,” Jones said. “Most of the time, it’s been behind closed doors. Sometimes I wish the media wouldn’t see that kind of stuff because you almost put so much into it that when it doesn’t work out and if — then what, you know?

“I spent so much time and effort in through this sport throughout my life. My parents have sacrificed so much to get me to this point. And my teammates, I was up sixth or seventh in the ninth inning, so there had to be a lot that had to go right for us to put me in that position. I’m just super grateful for it all. And wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In what should be a Men’s College World Series Final for the ages, the Tigers and Chanticleers open play on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT.