The LSU Tigers have once again ascended to the pinnacle of college baseball, capturing their eighth men’s College World Series championship. This dominant performance, capped by a sweep of Coastal Carolina in the finals, solidifies LSU’s place among the sport’s elite programs and marks their second national title in just three seasons.
A Historic Achievement
With this victory, LSU now stands second all-time in NCAA College World Series championships, trailing only USC’s 12 titles. The win also extends the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) remarkable streak to six consecutive CWS titles, a first for any conference in the event’s 75-year history. Under Head Coach Jay Johnson, who secured his second national championship, the Tigers demonstrated the resilience and talent that defined their season, living up to their motto: “tough and together.” Johnson becomes the fastest coach to win two CWS titles at a single school.
The Championship Series: A Two-Game Sweep
LSU clinched the title by winning the best-of-three series against a formidable Coastal Carolina team that entered the finals on an impressive 26-game winning streak.
Game 1: Anderson Pitches Into History
The series opener was a pitching masterclass. Sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson delivered a performance for the ages, throwing a complete-game shutout in the Tigers’ tense 1-0 victory. Anderson was sensational, striking out 10 batters over nine innings while throwing 130 pitches. His historic outing marked the first complete-game shutout in a CWS final since the current format was adopted in 2003 and snapped Coastal Carolina’s lengthy winning streak. The lone run came in the first inning on an RBI by Steven Milam. Anderson’s dominance throughout the tournament, including a strong outing against Arkansas earlier, earned him the prestigious College World Series Most Outstanding Player award. Coach Johnson lauded Anderson as potentially “the best player in the country.”
Game 2: Drama, Rally, and Closure
LSU sealed the championship with a 5-3 victory in Game 2. The contest at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha wasn’t without its early drama. Coastal Carolina’s manager, Kevin Schnall, and first base coach were ejected in the bottom of the first inning after an argument with the home plate umpire over balls and strikes.
Coastal Carolina briefly took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a solo home run. However, LSU quickly responded in the top of the third, tying the game at 1-1 with an RBI double by Ethan Frey.
The decisive blow came in a pivotal four-run top of the fourth inning for LSU. The Tigers loaded the bases, and clutch two-RBI singles from both Chris Stanfield and Derek Curiel against Coastal Carolina’s starter Jacob Morrison propelled LSU to a commanding 5-1 lead.
LSU’s starting pitcher, Anthony Eyanson, delivered a solid outing, allowing three runs over 6 1/3 innings with nine strikeouts. Though Coastal Carolina threatened by narrowing the score to 5-3 in the seventh, reliever Chase Shores shut the door. Shores showcased impressive velocity, hitting 100-101 mph, and secured the final outs in the ninth inning, culminating in an inning-ending double play to clinch the national title.
Reflections from the Dugouts
Coach Jay Johnson expressed immense pride in his team, calling the achievement of winning a second title in three years “unbelievable,” particularly after overcoming significant roster turnover from their 2023 championship squad. Coastal Carolina’s Kevin Schnall also praised his team for their record-setting season and reaching the finals, stating their incredible year wouldn’t be defined solely by the outcome of the championship series.
As the Tigers polish their eighth College World Series trophy, the celebrations in Baton Rouge are undoubtedly reaching a fever pitch, fueled by the knowledge that LSU baseball is back on top.
