James Tibbs punches Florida State’s ticket to Omaha

It took longer than expected, but Florida State University is heading to Omaha.

And outfielder James Tibbs III is a big reason why.

Thibs had a spectacular game on Saturday against Connecticut, going 5-for-6 with three two-run homers, the third of which came in the top of the 12th inning to break an 8-8 tie and move Florida State one step closer to Omaha.

Playing as the visiting team in front of their home fans due to the Super Regionals format, the Seminoles beat the Huskies 10-8 in the bottom of the inning to clinch a berth in the Men’s College World Championship.

Thibs singled in the first inning before leaving the game in the third inning after the ACC Player of the Year smashed a 92 mph pitch into deep center field to tie the game at 2-2.

In his next at-bat, in the fifth inning, Thibs again caught the ball well and hit a deep shot to right-center field for his second home run of the game, another two-run homer.

Tibs singled in the sixth inning but struck out swinging in the eighth. After reaching base on a walk in the top of the 10th, Tibs came to bat in the top of the 12th with the game tied at 8-8.

It didn’t take him long to break the tie. Favoring a 1-0 count, Thibs delivered a pitch to the inside half of the plate and left no room for doubt from the plate.

As the team’s social media department noted, the home run made Thibs the first FSU baseball player since 2010 to hit three home runs.

Connecticut had a runner on base with two outs in the bottom of the inning, but Connor Whitaker struck out shortstop Paul Tammaro to end the game.