What Happened
The 2025 College World Series concluded with Louisiana State University (LSU) defeating Coastal Carolina in Game 2 of the championship series, securing a victory of 5-3 on June 22, 2025. This win marked LSU’s eighth national title in baseball, solidifying their position as one of the premier programs in NCAA Division I baseball history. The Tigers had previously won the championship in 2023, making this their second title in three years under head coach Jay Johnson.
The game featured a pivotal fourth inning where LSU scored four runs, turning a 1-1 tie into a commanding 5-1 lead. Key contributions came from Chris Stanfield, who hit a two-RBI single, followed by Derek Curiel’s two-RBI single that ultimately chased Coastal Carolina’s starting pitcher, Jacob Morrison, from the game. Coastal Carolina managed to score two runs in the seventh inning but could not overcome the deficit. LSU’s Anthony Eyanson pitched effectively for 6 1/3 innings, allowing three runs, while Chase Shores closed the game with a strong relief performance.
Key Details
- Final Score: LSU 5, Coastal Carolina 3
- Date: June 22, 2025
- Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
- LSU’s Titles: This victory marks LSU’s eighth College World Series title, placing them second in all-time championships, behind USC’s 12 titles.
- Coastal Carolina’s Performance: The Chanticleers entered the game with a 26-game winning streak but were unable to extend their season, finishing as runners-up.
- Pitching Stats: Anthony Eyanson (LSU) pitched 6 1/3 innings, striking out nine batters. Jacob Morrison (Coastal Carolina) allowed five runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings.
- Most Outstanding Player: Kade Anderson from LSU was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series for his performance in Game 1, where he pitched a complete-game shutout.
Multiple Perspectives
The outcome of the championship series has been interpreted in various ways. LSU’s head coach, Jay Johnson, expressed immense pride in his team’s resilience and unity, emphasizing their motto of being “tough and together.” He noted that the victory was a testament to the team’s hard work throughout the season.
Conversely, Coastal Carolina’s manager, Kevin Schnall, faced challenges during the game, including being ejected in the first inning for arguing with umpires, which some analysts argue may have affected the team’s focus and morale. Following the ejection, the Chanticleers struggled to regain momentum despite their strong season.
Analysts have pointed out that while LSU’s victory is a significant achievement, it also underscores the competitive nature of college baseball, particularly within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which has now claimed six consecutive national titles.
Context & Background
The College World Series is the culmination of the NCAA baseball tournament, featuring the top eight teams in a double-elimination format leading to a best-of-three championship series. LSU’s victory adds to a storied history in college baseball, where they have consistently been a powerhouse since the early 1990s.
Coastal Carolina, a relatively newer contender in the national spotlight, previously won the College World Series in 2016, marking a significant achievement for the program. Their journey to the finals this year included a series of impressive performances, but ultimately, they could not overcome the seasoned Tigers in the championship series.
The success of LSU also reflects broader trends in college athletics, where programs in the SEC have increasingly dominated various sports, leading to discussions about recruitment, funding, and the overall competitiveness of college sports.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the championship series has concluded, there are still questions surrounding the future of both programs. For LSU, the focus will likely shift to the upcoming MLB draft, where standout players like Kade Anderson may be selected. The impact of this championship on recruitment and program development remains to be seen.
For Coastal Carolina, the implications of the ejections and their performance in the finals may lead to changes in coaching strategies or player development as they aim to build on their recent success. Additionally, the long-term effects of their impressive season and the lessons learned from facing a powerhouse like LSU could shape their future in college baseball.
Overall, the 2025 College World Series has concluded with LSU as champions, but the narratives surrounding both teams will continue to evolve as they prepare for the next season.
