Empire State Review Contributor 
The LSU Tigers secured their eighth NCAA Men’s College World Series (CWS) championship with a triumphant 5–3 win over Coastal Carolina on June 22, 2025, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. This victory caps a thrilling championship weekend and reaffirms LSU’s prominent status in college baseball history.
In Game 1 of the finals on June 21, left-hander Kade Anderson delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and posting a stunning 0.56 ERA across 16 innings. This dominant performance earned him the Most Outstanding Player accolade of the tournament. Speaking after the win, Anderson expressed humility and gratitude, stating, “Can’t really talk right now, it’s been a pleasure. It’s a dream come true” .
Game 2 showcased Anthony Eyanson, who pitched 6⅓ innings with nine strikeouts and three earned runs. LSU exploded offensively in the fourth inning, rallying from an early 1–0 deficit with a four-run outburst highlighted by Chris Stanfield’s two-run single and Derek Curiel’s clutch two-out RBI . Coastal Carolina’s Wells Sykes responded with a two-run homer in the seventh, narrowing the margin, but LSU’s bullpen did not relent. Key reliever Chase Shores entered in the seventh and struck out four over 2⅔ innings, touching 101 mph, to secure the title. The Tigers then sealed the game with a textbook double-play in the ninth inning.
The game also featured drama off the field when Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall and first-base coach Matt Schilling were both ejected in the first inning following a confrontation with umpires. Schnall received a three-game suspension and Schilling two games — a contentious moment that drew criticism and added pressure to the Chanticleers.
This title marks LSU’s eighth national championship, solidifying their position as one of the most successful programs in the modern era. Under head coach Jay Johnson, the Tigers claimed their second championship in three years, further building on their rich legacy. LSU is now the program with the most CWS titles since the NCAA tournament expanded to a 64-team field in 1999, surpassing all others with eight banners.
Importantly, LSU’s rotating pitching tandem—Anderson and Eyanson—was a decisive factor throughout the season, combining reliability and dominance. Together, they pitched over 212 innings, a key reason LSU entered the finals as both a defensive and strategic powerhouse. Jay Johnson also earned praise for his rapid success; notably, he is now the fastest-ever coach to secure two CWS titles.
LSU’s path to Omaha was not without challenges. After a hard-fought win over Arkansas in the Super Regionals—sealed by a walk-off RBI from Jared Jones—the Tigers maintained momentum throughout the CWS bracket.
For Coastal Carolina, this marked their first CWS finals appearance since their 2016 national title. The early ejections could not stifle their competitive spirit, but LSU’s balanced attack and pitching depth ultimately proved too much to overcome.
This championship is a momentous addition to LSU’s storied baseball legacy that dates back to its first national title in 1991 under legendary coach Skip Bertman, who led LSU to five championships in just 18 seasons. LSU’s eight championships rank second only to Southern California in total NCAA baseball titles.
With their record now at 53–15 on the season and ranked third in national polls, LSU finishes the 2025 campaign with a sense of fulfillment and promise. The young talent—highlighted by Anderson, Eyanson, Stanfield, Curiel, and Shores—has set a high bar for future teams, while Jay Johnson cements his status among the program’s elite coaches.
In summary, LSU’s explosive fourth inning, combined with stellar pitching, unwavering bullpen execution, and strategic coaching, all coalesced into a championship worthy of their legacy. As the Tigers celebrate in Omaha, the college baseball world recognizes their dominance and anticipates continued success.
