Top 3 reasons why Florida could win 2024 College World Series

The Florida Gators kept themselves in contention for a second consecutive College World Series final stint as they edged the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 5-4, on Monday at the Charles Schwab Field Omaha in Nebraska.

Two-way player Jac Caglianone smacked a three-run home run to right center to give the Gators a 4-1 lead in the second inning. Tyler Shelnut drilled a solo home run in the fifth, handing Florida a 5-3 cushion.

The Gators held on in the latter part of the game despite Brandon Butterworth's double that drove Garrett Pennington home to reduce the deficit to 5-4.

Reliever Cade Fisher was given the win for Florida after allowing three runs in four innings. Fisher, who replaced starter Caglianone in the second inning, surrendered four hits and one walk. He recorded three strikeouts in 75 pitches.

Caglianone labored through the first inning as a starter, allowing one run and two walks. He had one strikeout. As a designated hitter, he was 1-for-3 with one homer and three RBIs. He was struck out once and had two walks. Shelnut was 1-of-3 with one HR and one RBI. He walked once and had one strikeout.

Florida continued their seemingly impossible climb to the top in the College World Series. They will next meet Kentucky for a spot in the semifinals. The Wildcats lost to the Texas A&M Aggies, 5-1, in the second round.

The Kevin O'Sullivan-coached squad has a slim chance of winning this year's CWS after coming close last season. Here are the top three reasons why the Gators can still roll to the College World Series crown.

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Top 3 reasons why Florida could win the 2024 College World Series

#3. Timely hits from key players

Tyler Shelnut (#6) celebrates the home run with his teammates.

Florida's players are capable of hitting under pressure situations. In the game against NC State, Caglianone launched a three-run homer to right-center that broke a 1-1 standoff and handed them a 4-1 lead.

Two innings later, Shelnut smacked a solo homer to left field, giving the Gators a 5-3 lead in the fifth inning. Although NC State would score another run in the fifth, the lead was enough to gain the victory.

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#2. Neely's steely nerves down the stretch

Gators reliever Brandon Neely has been reliable whenever he's called up in save situations. He proved this on Monday, when he finished off the Wolfpack, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out six in three innings of action.

It was his fifth save of the season and he spared Florida from automatic elimination, keeping their hopes alive for another CWS finals appearance.

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#1. Jac Caglianone's batting prowess

Two-way player Caglianone is taking Florida to another ride in the postseason. His power bat kept the Gators in contention as he now has 34 home runs and 71 RBIs while hitting .413. In his last game against NC State, he blasted a three-run homer which handed Florida a 4-1 edge.

The big hit spared him from getting the blame for his lackluster effort as a starting pitcher. Caglianone was pulled after one inning of allowing one run and two walks in 33 pitches thrown.