What Happened
The LSU Tigers won the 2025 Men’s College World Series (MCWS), defeating Coastal Carolina 5-3 in Game 2 of the championship series held on June 22, 2025. This victory marked LSU’s eighth national championship in baseball and their second title in three years, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in college baseball. The Tigers completed a two-game sweep of the Chanticleers, who had entered the finals with a 26-game winning streak and were previously unbeaten in the tournament.
In the decisive game, LSU’s offense surged in the fourth inning, scoring four runs to take a commanding lead. Coastal Carolina briefly led 1-0 in the second inning, but LSU responded with a strong performance from pitcher Anthony Eyanson, who struck out nine batters over 6.1 innings. The game concluded with a double play that secured the championship for LSU, prompting celebrations among players and fans alike.
Key Details
- Final Score: LSU 5, Coastal Carolina 3
- Date: June 22, 2025
- Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
- LSU Record: 53-15 for the season
- Coastal Carolina Record: 56-13 for the season
- Key Players:
- Anthony Eyanson (LSU) pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.
- Chris Stanfield and Derek Curiel contributed significantly to the scoring with two-run singles in the fourth inning.
- Kade Anderson (LSU) was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament after a standout performance in Game 1, where he pitched a complete-game shutout.
The game was notable for the ejections of Coastal Carolina’s head coach Kevin Schnall and first base coach Matt Schilling in the first inning, which may have impacted the team’s performance.
Multiple Perspectives
The victory was celebrated by LSU fans and players, with head coach Jay Johnson expressing pride in his team’s resilience and teamwork throughout the season. Johnson’s achievement of winning two championships in his first four years at LSU is a notable milestone in NCAA baseball history, as no other coach has accomplished this in fewer than eight seasons.
Conversely, Coastal Carolina’s loss was disappointing for a team that had high hopes of winning its second national title, having previously claimed the championship in 2016. The ejections of their coaches early in the game were viewed by some analysts as a turning point that disrupted the team’s focus and strategy. Coastal Carolina’s manager, Schnall, had not been ejected at any point during the season prior to this game, indicating that the incident was out of character for him and may have affected the team’s morale.
Context & Background
LSU’s victory adds to the Southeastern Conference’s dominance in college baseball, marking the sixth consecutive national title for the SEC and the 11th in the last 16 years. This trend highlights the conference’s strength in the sport, with LSU being a key contributor to this success.
The Tigers’ history in the College World Series is significant, as they now rank second all-time in national championships, trailing only the University of Southern California (USC), which has 12 titles. LSU’s previous championships were won in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009, and 2023, showcasing a long-standing tradition of excellence in baseball.
The 2025 MCWS was characterized by competitive play and several upsets, culminating in LSU’s strong performance against Coastal Carolina, which had emerged as a formidable opponent throughout the tournament.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While LSU’s victory is confirmed, the long-term implications of this championship for both teams remain to be seen. Questions linger regarding how Coastal Carolina will respond to this setback in future seasons, particularly with the potential impact on recruiting and team morale. Additionally, the ejections of the Coastal Carolina coaches may lead to discussions about officiating standards and the management of player and coach conduct during high-stakes games.
Furthermore, as the college baseball landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to monitor how LSU and other SEC teams adapt to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming seasons. The performance of key players, especially those who may enter the MLB draft, will also be a factor in shaping the future of both programs.
