LSU defeats Coastal Carolina 5-3, clinching 8th national title
OMAHA, Neb. — The stage is set for a championship showdown between two college baseball powerhouses.
Coastal Carolina and LSU square off in Game 1 of the College World Series Championship Series on Saturday night at Charles Schwab Field. Both programs, steeped in postseason grit, enter the best-of-three finale riding emotional highs and thrilling wins that have defined their Omaha runs.
This series marks a historic rematch nearly a decade in the making. The only previous meeting between Coastal Carolina and LSU came in the 2016 Baton Rouge Super Regional, when the then Cinderella-story Chanticleers shocked the Tigers with a two-game sweep at Alex Box Stadium. That improbable run ended with Coastal hoisting the national championship trophy.
Now, the two meet again — this time with a title directly on the line.
Chanticleers Stay Hot
Coastal Carolina (56-11) arrives on a 26-game win streak, riding dominant pitching, relentless offense and a gritty, selfless identity built under first-year head coach Kevin Schnall.
“It’s incredible, but it’s not unbelievable,” Schnall said after his team rolled over Louisville 11–3 to punch its ticket to the final series. “We’ve got really good players, but more importantly, they’re willing to drop ‘I and me’ for ‘we and us.’”
Teamwork makes the dream work.@michellachester talks with @CoastalBaseball‘s Colby Thorndyke about the team’s dynamic and their pursuit of a shared goal.#MCWS pic.twitter.com/z8eTREPmM9
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 18, 2025
The Chanticleers have outscored opponents 76–27 during their 8–0 NCAA tournament run. Colby Thorndyke has delivered in the clutch nearly every game (Postseason: .344, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 12 R), while pitcher Jacob Morrison flourished against Oregon State, at one point retiring 16 Beavers in a row en route to a 7.2-inning, seven-strikeout gem.
Coastal also leads the nation in hit-by-pitches, setting a new NCAA record and causing quite the stir in Omaha. But this “stand your ground” mentality has epitomized the Chanticleers’ season– both in the batter’s box and in the big-time matchups.
LSU’s Resilience on Display
LSU (51-15) returns to the finals after a thrilling 6–5 walk-off win over Arkansas. Head coach Jay Johnson called it one of the most emotional victories of his career — a sentiment echoed by his players.
“I would coach this team forever,” Johnson said. “They’ve got heart, character, and just keep showing up in the biggest moments.”
Jared Jones, who tied the game with a home run in the ninth and later delivered the game-winning single, has been the Tigers’ emotional and offensive leader. Luis Hernandez — a quiet force behind the plate all year — scored the winning run and continues to be LSU’s unsung hero.
LSU’s dramatic walk-off victory, from the roof 🤯
Relive the Tigers advancing to the MCWS championship series 🔥#MCWS x @SamsungUS pic.twitter.com/GaU0Y8ECL2
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) June 19, 2025
On the mound, Zac Cowan gave LSU a strong start against Arkansas, racking up six punch-outs in 5.1 innings and giving up just one run. His bullpen may have left the door open towards the end, but the Tigers lineup found a way to get it done in the bottom of the ninth.
Johnson says that mentality is what will secure another LSU national title.
“It’s not about me,” Johnson said. “It’s [about] the players executing. It’s the character in that locker room. And now, we get five more days together to chase a national championship.”
A Clash of Styles
While LSU features SEC-tested star power and postseason pedigree, Coastal Carolina thrives on team chemistry, defensive execution, and high baseball IQ. Schnall noted that this year’s Chanticleers differ from the 2016 title team, relying less on power and more on aggressive baserunning, situational hitting, and elite fielding.
“This team grinds you down,” Schnall said. “They’re built for tight games, pressure innings and doing the little things right.”
LSU, meanwhile, embraces the pressure and thrives on late-game dramatics. The Tigers have multiple comeback wins in Omaha, fueled by timely hits and strategic bullpen management.
What’s at Stake
When the Chanticleers upset the Tigers in the 2016 Super Regionals, it was truly a David vs. Goliath. The tiny school from out of nowhere against one of the sport’s blue bloods.
The 2025 College World Series matchup feels more like Goliath vs. Goliath– boy, what a change a decade makes.
Coastal seeks its second national title and first under Schnall, who took over after legendary head coach Gary Gilmore retired at the end of last season. LSU aims to add its second trophy in three years.
Game 1 promises to be a test of wills — Coastal’s cohesion vs. LSU’s championship pedigree. Only one team can emerge as college baseball’s best. But one thing is certain:
Omaha’s finale is getting the heavyweight matchup it deserves.
First pitch for Game 1 is set for 7pm EST on Saturday, June 21st, while Game 2 is set for a 2:30 EST start on Sunday. Game 3 will take place on Monday, if necessary.
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