By Juliette Eckler
A stellar defensive performance from LSU was all they needed to secure a key first victory in the 2025 championship series over Coastal Carolina.
Kade Anderson continued to show why he can be a true difference-maker, with a 10-strikeout showing along with great defense in LSU’s 1-0 victory over Coastal.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Anderson said postgame, “but it got the job done.”
Anderson did allow a few walks and got into some jams but was able to escape from a great defensive effort, leaving many Coastal runners left on base.
“It’s the College World Series,” Head Coach Jay Johnson said post-game, “You’re going to pitch with runners on base, this is the best teams in the country.”
The only run brought in from either side came in the bottom of the first inning, infielder Steven Milam singled up the middle, bringing outfielder Derek Curiel in. Milam had the best hitting performance from the Tigers, going 2-3 on the day.
“First at bat, I got three heaters and was able to get one down,” said Milam, “I just stuck to my plan and was able to execute it.”
On the other side, the Chanticleer’s long win streak comes to an end, as they were shutout for the first time in the 2025 CWS.
Despite a dominate nine strikeout game from Cameron Flukey against one of the deeper lineups in Omaha this year, Coastal struggled at being able to bring runs in, going 1 for 15 with runners on base.
Confidence seems to still be high for the Chants, as Head Coach Kevin Schnall points towards the similarities to the last championship run for Coastal in 2016, as that team lost 3-0 to a left-handed pitcher in the first game.
“We’ve got to respond, rebound, regroup,” Schnall said, “Answer the bell.”
With a win Sunday at 1:30 pm, LSU will be crowned champs, but a Coastal victory, game three will be on Monday at 6:30 pm.
Written by Juliette Eckler
