LSU Tigers star pitcher Kade Anderson delivered a dominant performance in Game 1 of the Men’s College World Series, throwing 130 pitches and striking out 10 batters to lead the Tigers to a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina. The game featured minimal offensive production, with LSU’s Steven Milam contributing an RBI single in the first inning to secure the win. Anderson’s complete-game effort underscored his status as one of the nation’s premier pitchers, a performance that has been a hallmark of his season.
LSU coach Jay Johnson lauded Anderson’s consistency, stating, ‘That’s what we’ve seen all year. He’s the best pitcher in the country. And did it again tonight.’ Johnson emphasized that Anderson’s dominance has been a constant throughout the season, reflecting the team’s reliance on his leadership and skill. The Tigers’ defense also played a crucial role, as they limited Coastal Carolina to just three hits, showcasing their overall team strength.
Coastal Carolina coach Kevin Schnall acknowledged the Tigers’ strength, admitting, ‘If it was going to be easy, there would be more than one national champion. We’ve got to regroup. We’ve won 26 in a row. Let’s just call it is what it is — the odds were not in our favor to go 28-0 and win this national championship.’ Schnall expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, with Jacob Morrison set to pitch in Sunday’s second game.
Anderson’s performance has also drawn attention from Major League Baseball, with him projected to be a top-three pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. His game against Coastal Carolina is a prime example of his ability to perform under pressure, a trait that has made him a top prospect in collegiate baseball. The Tigers will look to capitalize on their first-game victory to maintain their championship bid in the College World Series.