Mahtook single sends LSU past Texas in 11

OMAHA, Neb. – Mikie Mahtook singled in the game-winning run in the top of the 11th inning after DJ LeMahieu tied the game in the ninth, and LSU survived Texas’ five home runs to beat the Longhorns 7-6 in Game 1 of the best-of-3 College World Series finals Monday night.

LSU (55-16) would win its sixth national title with a victory over the Longhorns (49-15-1) on Tuesday night.

LeMahieu walked leading off the 11th against Brandon Workman (3-4), stole second with two outs and took third when catcher Cameron Rupp’s throw went into center field. After Micah Gibbs walked, Mahtook singled into center field for the go-ahead run.

“My first three at-bats, it wasn’t like I just struck out. It was three terrible at-bats. I was chasing balls in the dirt,” Mahtook said. “... When I got into the dugout, guys were telling me to make sure I keep my head straight. Jared Mitchell told me I was going to come back up again with a big at-bat, and you’re going to come through for us. That helped me out a lot.”

Matty Ott (4-2) struck out Brandon Loyn and Tim Maitland and got Connor Rowe to ground out to finish off Texas, which had walk-off wins in two of its first three CWS games.

“I’ve been fortunate to be around some kids who have played some great games through the years, and I savor all the victories, but this one was really sweet,” LSU coach Paul Mainieri said. “On the biggest stage, with their backs against the wall, to come up with that kind of an effort is one for the ages.”