It took more than 60 games and a run through a gauntlet of the best teams in college baseball, but the College World Series final is set for its weekend showcase. The LSU Tigers and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers will battle in a best-of-three series.
How did the two teams get to this point?
The two teams went unscathed through the College World Series, each winning three games, and it should come as no surprise that they are both in the top four in hitting and pitching in the tournament. They are, however, motivated by something very different.
Friday, June 20, was an off day for the teams and fans. Charles Schwab Stadium and even the famous Rocco’s Restaurant with their “Jello Shot Challenge” took a break from the CWS mayhem and partying. It’s a chance for everyone to regroup before the final.
All this might seem old hat to the perennial baseball powerhouse Tigers. They’re looking to win their 8th national championship. It also means they’ve taken on the role of the villain.
What’s motivating Louisiana State?
A lot of fans outside of Louisiana would rather see the underdog story with a happy ending. The Tigers couldn’t care less. Coach Jay Johnson’s group is riding high after a walk-off win in the semifinal against Arkansas.
“The longer I do this, the older I get, it really simplifies what you need to do to get here and to succeed here,” Johnson said. “And I think that was on full display. And how the game transpired and the end of it, it kind of flooded me with, like, I can’t believe we just did that. But at the same time, we’ve done it several times this year.”
In true Omaha style, the Tigers are hoping to earn another steak dinner. They’ve been rewarded with a team outing at Fleming’s Steakhouse after each big win. Once they reached the Final 8, the team had to go 3-0 to earn Thursday’s feast.
“It’s become a weekly deal now,” LSU ace pitcher Kade Anderson said. “It’s been working, so why switch it now? We all get steaks and too many desserts.”
They’ve taken full advantage of the perk, and outfielder Jake Brown said they’re trying to make the fun last as long as they can.
“We have a locker room full of guys that show up every day super excited to compete with people that are not just their teammates but best friends,” Brown said. “We have a super close-knit group of guys that nobody wants to stop playing with each other.”
What has Coastal Carolina believing they can win?
Coastal Carolina has history in the College World Series as well. They won the title in 2016, but being from the Sun Belt conference instead of the SEC means they don’t get the same notoriety. It may be a little crazy to call a team riding a 26-game winning streak an underdog, and, as infielder Blake Barthol put it, they’re all about business.
“We’ve been grinding now for 10 months,” Barthol said. “So that’s been our preparation, and we have a game plan, as Coach Schnall has put together. And as long as we execute, everything will work out.”
In their three World Series wins, the Chanticleers have scored eight total runs in the first inning. An early scouting report has helped them jump on starting pitching. That will be the formula against LSU as well.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Chanticleers pitcher Caden Bodine said. “When you score first, get to seven, win the big inning war. We really take pride in that. We try to execute that every single game.
What would another national title mean for the Chanticleers?
Coach Kevin Schnall, a Coastal Carolina alum, has been with the program off and on for over two decades. This season is his first as head coach. A 56-11 record is something special for a school in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. What would another title mean?
“That would be two national championships in nine years,” Schnall said. “That would put Coastal Carolina baseball on a different planet. That would put Coastal Carolina University in a really good position, and again, that’s really special.”
LSU is the favorite this weekend, but these teams are very similar. They get on base, hit for power, and they have great pitching. Coastal has used some big early innings to win its World Series games. LSU has used the comeback. It sets up for a fantastic series beginning with Game 1, 7 p.m. EST, Saturday.
