Omaha, NE – The 2025 Men’s College World Series Finals began with an instant classic on Saturday night, as the No. 6 seed LSU Tigers narrowly defeated the No. 13 seed Coastal Carolina Chanticleers 1-0 in a masterful pitching duel. The tension was palpable at Charles Schwab Field Omaha as both teams, boasting undefeated runs through their CWS brackets, battled for the early advantage in the best-of-three championship series. This pivotal Game 1 victory gives LSU a commanding 1-0 lead, pushing them one step closer to their eighth national title and snapping Coastal Carolina’s remarkable 26-game winning streak.
From the first pitch, it was clear this contest would be decided by the arms on the mound. LSU’s sophomore ace, Kade Anderson, delivered a performance for the ages. The highly touted MLB Draft prospect carved through the potent Coastal Carolina lineup, tossing a complete-game shutout. Anderson’s stat line was nothing short of brilliant: nine innings pitched, just three hits allowed, five walks, and a staggering 10 strikeouts. His fastball consistently hit the mid-90s, complemented by a deceptive slider and changeup that kept Chanticleer hitters off balance all night. This was the first complete-game shutout in the Men’s College World Series finals since 2018, underscoring the magnitude of Anderson’s outing. His ability to work out of multiple jams, including stranding runners in scoring position in the third and fourth innings, proved critical in preserving the Tigers’ slim lead.
Across the diamond, Coastal Carolina’s right-hander Cameron Flukey was equally impressive. Flukey, who had been a dominant force for the Chanticleers throughout their historic season, pitched six strong innings, surrendering only one earned run on four hits while striking out nine. Despite the loss, Flukey showcased the composure and skill that has made him a cornerstone of Coastal Carolina’s success, giving his team every opportunity to win. His battle with LSU’s lineup was a testament to the high-stakes baseball being played in Omaha.
The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning, a sequence that perfectly encapsulated the razor-thin margins of this championship series. LSU’s Derek Curiel led off with a walk, working a tough at-bat against Flukey. He then advanced to second on a groundout, setting the stage for Steven Milam. Milam, with ice in his veins, delivered a clutch RBI single up the middle, bringing Curiel home and sending the LSU faithful into a frenzy. It was a testament to LSU’s ability to capitalize on even the smallest opportunities, a hallmark of championship teams.
Coastal Carolina, who entered the finals riding the nation’s longest active winning streak, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Despite their offensive prowess throughout the tournament, they were unable to muster the timely hits needed to break through Anderson’s unyielding dominance. The Chanticleers stranded six baserunners and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, a statistic they will undoubtedly look to improve upon in Game 2. This loss was their first since April 22, a testament to their remarkable consistency this season.
With the Tigers now holding a crucial 1-0 series lead, the pressure shifts squarely onto Coastal Carolina. Game 2, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, becomes a do-or-die situation for the Chanticleers if they hope to force a decisive Game 3. LSU, with the momentum firmly in their favor and their pitching depth seemingly endless, will be looking to close out the series and hoist the national championship trophy.
Baseball fans can expect another thrilling installment in this epic championship showdown. With two supremely talented teams and everything on the line, Game 2 promises to be another memorable chapter in the 2025 Men’s College World Series.
Watch Game 1 Highlights:
