LSU defeats Wake Forest, 5-2, to force rematch at College World Series

Cade Beloso hit a tiebreaking three-run homer to lead No. 5 LSU to a 5-2 win against No. 1 Wake Forest on Wednesday night at the College World Series, forcing a rematch between the teams on Thursday for a berth in the championship series.

The Demon Deacons (54-11) would have qualified for the best-of-three finals against No. 2 Florida had they beaten the Tigers (51-16) on Wednesday. Wake Forest won the teams’ first matchup in Omaha 3-2 on Monday.

Wake Forest jumped in front when Tommy Hawke (3-for-5) hit a two-run single in the second inning. But LSU got one run back in the bottom of the frame on an RBI single from Brayden Jobert.

The Tigers pulled away with a four-run third inning. Two walks, a single and a wild pitch tied the game, and Beloso followed with a three-run shot to right.

LSU reliever Griffin Herring (5-2) threw 4 2/3 scoreless innings for the win, striking out six. Riley Cooper got the last four outs for his third save.

Wake Forest starter Seth Keener (8-2) allowed five runs on four hits in 4 1/3 innings.