Instead, they’ll stay another day, confident that the Westgate High graduate and his teammates will do just that with a win over Texas in the third game of a best-of-three final series. LSU beat the Longhorns 7-6 in 11 innings on Monday night but could only get five hits off Texas freshman pitcher Taylor Jungmann in losing 5-1 Tuesday night.
“I can stay an extra day,” said Craig Mitchell, Jared Mitchell’s father. “I’m looking forward to that dogpile tomorrow. On our side, that is.”
 LSU right fielder Jared Mitchell can't reach a double by Texas catcher Cameron Rupp in the third inning of Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series best-of-three baseball finals Tuesday in Omaha, Neb. Texas won, 5-1, to force a third game today. - Associated Press / Ted Kirk Advertisement
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“Jared just looks so much more relaxed that in the past,” said his father Tuesday night following the game. “I think him knowing his situation with the draft really helped him, even though he probably wouldn’t tell you that, or tell me that.”
The Mitchells ” dad Craig, mom Debra and older brother Derek ” were home for the first week of the College World Series, heading to Omaha, Neb., for the Tigers’ third game, a 14-5 win last Friday over Arkansas that sent LSU to the finals. Also in Omaha is Debra Mitchell’s sister, Diane Gauthier of Dallas.
LSU struggled at the plate Tuesday, striking out more times (nine) than getting hits and walks combined (seven total).
“That’s what happens when you don’t swing the bat,” said Craig Mitchell. “I really don’t know what it is but our big hitters were not swinging. I think they’re going to be all right tomorrow.”
Today’s winner-take-all game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. LSU is scheduled to start Anthony Ranaudo, who is 11-3 with a 2.87 earned run average.
“With him thowing good, I think we’ll come out swinging,” said Craig Mitchell. “Baseball is a funny game, especially at this level. I’m confident about tomorrow.”
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