Omaha, Neb. – In a College World Series final opener destined for the history books, LSU sophomore Kade Anderson delivered a pitching masterpiece on Saturday night, throwing a complete-game shutout to lead the Tigers to a crucial 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina. The win gives LSU a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three championship series, placing them just one win away from securing the program’s eighth NCAA national title.
Anderson’s stellar performance also brought an end to Coastal Carolina’s remarkable 26-game winning streak, a nearly unprecedented run in modern college baseball. Facing a potent Chanticleers lineup that hadn’t lost in two full months, it was clear something truly special was needed.
A Pitching Performance for the Ages
On the biggest stage in college baseball, Kade Anderson, a 20-year-old left-hander, was that something special. He completed his second complete game of the season and career, but its significance went far beyond personal achievement. This was just the third complete game shutout ever recorded in the College World Series finals era, which began in 2003, and the first for LSU baseball in the championship series in program history.
Despite a high pitch count, topping out at 130 pitches (82 for strikes), Anderson navigated through nine scoreless innings. He limited Coastal Carolina to just three hits while striking out 10 batters. While he did issue five walks and hit two batters (both the same player), he consistently found ways to escape trouble, holding the Chanticleers to an 0-for-9 mark with runners in scoring position. His impressive outing bolstered his nation-leading strikeout total, which now stands at 180 over 119 innings pitched for the year.
The lone run of the game came early, manufactured by LSU in the very first inning via a walk, a groundout, and a timely single. It proved to be the only offense needed, thanks entirely to Anderson’s dominance on the mound and some key defensive plays throughout the night, including spectacular work behind the plate from catcher Luis Hernandez and a difference-making effort at third base by Michael Braswell III.
Coach’s High Praise and MLB Future
LSU head coach Jay Johnson was understandably effusive in his praise for Anderson following the historic outing. Johnson didn’t mince words, declaring Anderson “the best pitcher on the planet” and “the best pitcher in college baseball.” He added that Anderson’s ability to deliver such performances in Game 1 situations has been a constant throughout the season.
Going a step further, Johnson made a bold statement about Anderson’s professional prospects, asserting that the Slidell, Louisiana, native should be the number one overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft and is likely headed to the Washington Nationals organization. Johnson compared Anderson’s impact, character, toughness, and team-first attitude to former LSU ace Paul Skenes, who was the top pick in the 2023 draft. “Nobody is closer to the Major Leagues” right now, Johnson stated emphatically.
For Anderson, a Louisiana kid, pitching a game of this magnitude for LSU in Omaha was a dream realized. “Every single night,” he replied when asked if he had dreamed of such a moment. However, demonstrating the team-first mentality praised by his coach, he quickly added perspective: “But this game also didn’t win the College World Series. We have to win more.”
Looking Ahead to Game 2
LSU (52-15), the No. 6 national seed, now stands one win away from their eighth championship banner. To clinch the title on Sunday, they will likely send their second ace, Anthony Eyanson (11 wins), to the mound. Standing in their way is Coastal Carolina (56-12), the No. 13 national seed, and their formidable ace, Jacob Morrison. Morrison ranks third nationally with 12 victories this season, boasting a stellar 2.08 ERA and 102 strikeouts over 104 innings pitched while holding opponents to a meager .194 batting average.
Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall, in his first season leading his alma mater, acknowledged the difficulty of ending their historic streak but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to respond. Knowing they need to win two straight, he quipped with a rare smirk, perhaps speaking for the entire college baseball world, that he was simply relieved they wouldn’t have to face Kade Anderson ever again.
History offers a note of caution for LSU. In the 2016 CWS finals, Coach Johnson’s Arizona team won Game 1 with a 1-0 complete-game shutout performance similar to Anderson’s (three hits allowed), only to drop the next two games and lose the title to… Coastal Carolina, who had Schnall on staff as an assistant.
Game 2 of the College World Series finals is scheduled for Sunday, June 22, at Charles Schwab Field. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m. CT and the game will be televised nationally on ABC. An LSU victory secures the championship, while a Coastal Carolina win would force a decisive Game 3 on Monday night. LSU enters Game 2 determined to finish the job and avoid the fate of that 2016 squad.
