Kade Anderson certainly looked like a No. 1 MLB pick for LSU on Saturday. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
OMAHA, Neb. – June 21, 2025
LSU is one win away from a national championship, thanks to a pitching gem by sophomore Kade Anderson in Game 1 of the Men’s College World Series Finals.
The left-hander turned in a performance for the ages, tossing a complete-game shutout to lead the Tigers to a 1–0 victory over Coastal Carolina. Anderson dominated from the start, scattering three hits, striking out 10, and throwing a career-high 130 pitches in one of the most efficient and clutch outings of the tournament.
His curveball was nearly untouchable, producing seven of his strikeouts, while his poise on the mound helped neutralize one of the hottest teams in college baseball.
“This group has given everything all year,” Anderson said postgame. “I just wanted to go out there and give us a shot to win.”
The Tigers gave him a small cushion early. LSU’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning on a sacrifice fly by freshman Steven Milam, who continues to shine under the postseason spotlight. That would prove to be all Anderson needed.
Coastal Carolina, which came into the game riding a 26-game winning streak, had few answers for Anderson. Starter Drew Beam was solid for the Chanticleers, allowing just one run over six innings, but the offense couldn’t break through against LSU’s ace.
The loss was Coastal’s first since April 22. Head coach Kevin Schnall remains confident his team can respond with their backs against the wall.
“We’ve been in tough spots before,” Schnall said. “We’ll regroup, and we’ve got one of the best arms in the country ready to go tomorrow.”
That arm belongs to Jacob Morrison, who’s expected to start Game 2 for the Chanticleers.
LSU, meanwhile, can secure its eighth national title—and second in three seasons—with a win on Sunday. With Anderson’s brilliance setting the tone, momentum is clearly on the Tigers’ side.
College World Series Finals Schedule:
- Game 2: Sunday, June 22 – 1:30 PM CT
- Game 3 (if necessary): Monday, June 23 – 6:30 PM CT
LSU hopes to close the series out on Sunday and bring another trophy back to Baton Rouge. Coastal Carolina will need a big response to keep their title hopes alive.
