LSU rallies past MSU, returns to College World Series for 18th time

BATON ROUGE — For the 18th time in program history, the LSU baseball team is heading back to Omaha.

LSU (48-17) scored six runs in the fifth inning to break open a close game and complete a two-game NCAA Super Regional sweep of Mississippi State 12-4 early Monday morning at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field.

RELATED: 2017 CWS bracket | Home-field advantage proving super in Supers

The Tigers will take a 16-game winning streak into the 2017 College World Series.

It was over when...

LSU scored six runs in the top of the fifth inning to overcome a 4-3 deficit. The Tigers collected three hits and three walks in the frame and never looked back. The key hit was a two-run double by Kramer Robertson, who finished 3-for-5 with three runs and two RBIs.

Take a lap, guys! We are going back to Omaha. Ready for Seven. pic.twitter.com/gXtOwPxNLF

— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) June 12, 2017

Meanwhile, LSU reliever Caleb Gilbert (6-1) completely shut down the Bulldogs over 5 2/3 innings pitched. The sophomore right-hander retired 15 straight batters between the third and eighth innings to put Mississippi State's powerful offense to sleep. He allowed only two hits in relief of starter Jared Poche'. 

See Yal in Omaha!!!! This team is special. S/o @CalebGilbert2 for picking me up tonight.#stud

— Jared Poche (@Jared_Poche) June 12, 2017

Three rain delays, seven Bulldogs pitching changes and more than five hours later, LSU realized it goal of a trip to Nebraska for the second time in three seasons.

Up next

No. 4 national seed LSU will face Florida State (44-21) in its CWS opener on either Saturday or Sunday in Omaha's TD Ameritrade Park. Game dates and times are expected to be announced Monday.

The winner of the Tigers and Seminoles will face either No. 1 Oregon State or Cal State Fullerton.