LSU defeats Coastal Carolina in Game 2, wins College World Series

On Sunday, LSU defeated Coastal Carolina 5-3 in Game 2 of the College World Series to secure its eighth national title in program history. LSU last took home the CWS trophy in 2023.

LSU’s victory on Sunday was a wild one from the start. In the bottom of the first inning, Coastal Carolina head coach Kevin Schnall was ejected after he yelled at the home plate umpire.

After being ejected, Schnall stormed onto the field and was assessed a “prolonged arguing” violation, which would’ve prevented him from coaching in Game 3 if Coastal Carolina had won Game 2. Chanticleers first base coach Matt Schilling was also ejected from the game after complaining about Schnall’s ejection.

Just one inning later, Coastal Carolina took an early 1-0 lead after Dean Mihos crushed a solo home run over the left field fence. Alas, LSU didn’t waste anytime rallying.

In the top of the third inning, LSU’s Ethan Frey doubled to left field to even the game at 1-1. The Tigers built on their momentum in the fourth inning.

With the bases loaded, LSU’s Chris Stanfield hit a single to left field to propel the Tigers to a 3-1 lead. Just two outs later, LSU freshman Derek Curiel hit a line drive that split the infield, driving in two more Tigers runs.

In seemingly the blink of an eye, LSU had a convincing lead. Nonetheless, the Chanticleers weren’t about to lie down. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Coastal Carolina’s Wells Sykes bombed a two-run shot to left field to cut LSU’s lead to 5-3.

From there, Coastal Carolina continued to hang tough, but struggled to make up any ground due to LSU right-handed pitcher Chase Shores‘ cannon of an arm. Of course, their initial failure wasn’t going to stop the Chanticleers from going out swinging.

Mihos jumpstarted Coastal Carolina’s ninth inning efforts with a leadoff single to right field. However, Shores responded to the pressure, striking out the next batter and helping the Tigers finish the game on a pitch-perfect double play.

LSU didn’t waste anytime charging the field and dogpiling on the mound. As the closer, Shores was at the center of the celebration. Former LSU coach Skip Bertman even got in on the celebration, coming onto the field after the triumph.

With the win, LSU’s Jay Johnson became the quickest head coach to win two national titles. LSU pitcher Kade Anderson was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.