The only team happier than LSU about their semifinal win might be Florida.
That's not to say the Gators are underestimating the Tigers, but the length of the Tigers' series against Wake Forest certainly worked in Florida's favor.
Aside from LSU's hitters getting little rest compared to Florida's lineup, Paul Skenes' start on Thursday might keep the Gators from facing the nation's most dominant pitcher in the College World Series finals.
Skenes was nearly untouchable against Wake Forest on Thursday, tossing eight shutout innings and allowing only two hits. He's been lights-out all season, positioning himself as one of the best pitching prospects in recent MLB Draft history.
Paul Skenes....New Single Season SEC Record Holder for Strikeouts. pic.twitter.com/Zv7ejgmzfN
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 22, 2023
Before Skenes heads to the next level, his team is trying to bring a championship back to Baton Rouge. But will he be a part of the championship series?
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Here's what you need to know about Skenes' availability for the College World Series finals against Florida.
When can Paul Skenes pitch again?
While LSU head coach Jay Johnson hasn't commented on Skenes' availability for the finals, the outlook is pretty bleak. At the least, any Skenes appearance won't be equal to a full start.
Thursday's win was the first time all season that Skenes pitched on four days' rest. That's how much rest an MLB starter traditionally gets, but Skenes always pitched on five days' rest or more before the start against Wake Forest.
It wasn't any ordinary start, either. Skenes threw 120 pitches in the win, giving his all for LSU in a game that offered him no room for error. That extreme pitch count, along with the lack of rest between the start of the finals, makes the idea of Skenes pitching again this season uncertain at best.
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The series against Florida won't give Skenes an opportunity to start on four days' rest, let alone five. A potential Game 3 is set for Monday, which leaves only three full days of rest after Skenes' most recent start. LSU's dramatic extra-innings win in Game 1 on Saturday took some of the pressure off, with Sunday's Game 2 now serving as an elimination game for the Gators.
If LSU does reach a winner-take-all Game 3, could Skenes make an appearance in an emergency situation? That can't be ruled out. Skenes is a competitor, and the chance to win a national championship is a big deal.
At the same time, Johnson has to be cautious with Skenes' arm as he prepares to likely be drafted within the top two picks of July's MLB Draft.
Don't expect to receive advance notice from Johnson if Skenes does take the mound, as LSU's coach has refused to discuss pitching assignments throughout postseason play. If the series does get to Monday, though, all eyes will be on Skenes for a potential start or relief appearance.
