LSU Claims Eighth National Championship with College World Series Sweep
OMAHA, NE – The LSU Tigers have once again ascended to the pinnacle of college baseball, defeating Coastal Carolina 5-3 in Game 2 of the 2025 College World Series final to clinch their eighth national championship. The victory on June 22nd at Charles Schwab Field completed a dominant two-game sweep for LSU, securing their second national title in just three seasons.
This latest triumph solidifies LSU’s status as a college baseball powerhouse, placing them second only to USC in all-time NCAA baseball championships. It also extends the remarkable streak for the Southeastern Conference, marking the sixth consecutive College World Series title won by an SEC program. Fourth-year head coach Jay Johnson etched his name further into NCAA history, becoming the fastest coach to lead a school to two CWS titles.
Game 2: A Battle Decided in the Fourth
After a tense 1-0 victory in Game 1, Game 2 saw more offense, though the outcome remained in doubt until the final outs. Coastal Carolina initially grabbed a brief 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning courtesy of Dean Mihos’ solo home run – the Chanticleers’ first long ball of the series.
LSU quickly responded in the top of the third. Ethan Frey hammered an RBI double off the left-field wall with an impressive 114 mph exit velocity, scoring Derek Curiel and tying the game at 1-1.
The decisive blow came in a four-run explosion for LSU in the top of the fourth. Against Coastal Carolina starter Jacob Morrison, who entered the game with a sparkling 12-0 record and 2.08 ERA, the Tigers loaded the bases. Chris Stanfield delivered a clutch two-RBI single to left field, giving LSU its first lead. Later in the inning, after two outs, Derek Curiel followed with another critical two-RBI single up the middle, pushing the lead to 5-1 and ending Morrison’s shortest and highest-run outing of the season.
Coastal Carolina attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 5-3 in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run homer by Wells Sykes. However, LSU’s bullpen, spearheaded by sophomore Chase Shores, shut the door.
Pitching and Key Performers
LSU received another strong start in Game 2 from junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson. Following Kade Anderson’s complete-game shutout gem in Game 1, Eyanson delivered 6 1/3 solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out nine. He departed after the Sykes homer having thrown 99 pitches.
Relief pitcher Chase Shores was lights out, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings. He allowed only one hit and struck out four, ultimately securing the championship by inducing an inning-ending double play in the ninth.
Offensively for LSU, Derek Curiel and Chris Stanfield were instrumental with their two-RBI hits. Ethan Frey added three hits, going 3-for-5. For Coastal Carolina, Dean Mihos was a key contributor with his home run and a 3-for-4 day, while Wells Sykes provided the late-game drama with his two-run blast.
Early Drama: Ejections Rock Coastal Carolina
The game saw significant drama unfold early in the first inning when Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall was ejected by home plate umpire Angel Campos. Schnall reportedly argued balls and strikes, and the situation escalated when he walked onto the field after a warning, leading to his removal. Compounding the issue, first base coach Matt Schilling was also ejected following prolonged arguing.
Recruiting coordinator Chad Oxendine took over coaching duties for the remainder of the game. The NCAA later issued two-game suspensions for Schnall and a three-game suspension for Schilling for the start of the next season, citing their actions and arguments. Schnall expressed frustration post-game, detailing the exchange and questioning the swiftness of the ejection in such a high-stakes game.
A Season to Remember
Coastal Carolina concluded an incredible season that saw them set a program record for wins and enter the finals on a remarkable 26-game winning streak. Despite the loss, coach Kevin Schnall praised his team’s historic run to the championship series.
For LSU, the championship run in Omaha featured victories over tough opponents like Arkansas (twice) and UCLA before facing Coastal Carolina. Coach Jay Johnson lauded his team’s resilience, particularly after overcoming significant talent departures from the 2023 championship squad. The Tigers’ success was highlighted by stellar defense, timely hitting, and dominant pitching throughout the final series, including Kade Anderson’s Game 1 masterpiece that earned him Most Outstanding Player honors for the 2025 College World Series.
