Kade Anderson’s Masterclass in Game 1: A Louisiana Native’s Final LSU Stand

Omaha, NE – June 21, 2025 – In what could be his final appearance in the purple and gold, Louisiana native Kade Anderson delivered a pitching performance for the ages, leading LSU to a 1-0 victory over Coastal Carolina in Game 1 of the 2025 College World Series Finals. The Madisonville, La., native threw a complete-game shutout, ending Coastal Carolina's 26 game winning streak. This while only allowing just three hits while striking out 10 and walking five, cementing his legacy as one of LSU’s all-time greats and bolstering his case as the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft.

Facing a Coastal Carolina team that had been shut out only twice this season, Anderson’s dominance was a masterclass in precision and poise. He kept the Chanticleers’ lineup off balance all night. Anderson’s journey to this moment is a testament to his resilience. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, which sidelined him for his senior year at St. Paul’s High School in Covington, La., Anderson arrived at LSU with question marks. He didn’t pitch in 2023 while recovering but burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2024, posting a 4-2 record with a 3.99 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 38.1 innings. In 2025, as LSU’s ace, he elevated his game to new heights: an 11-1 record, a 3.44 ERA, and a nation-leading 170 strikeouts in 110 innings, the most in Division I. His performance in Omaha only added to his lore, with teammates like Steven Milam calling him “hands down” the best pitcher in college baseball.

With the MLB Draft looming on July 13, Anderson’s Game 1 masterpiece may have been his final act as a Tiger. Projected as a top-five pick—he’s poised to follow in the footsteps of LSU legends like Skenes and Ben McDonald. His performance against Coastal Carolina, limiting a potent offense to a .100 batting average in the game, only solidified his status as a “sure thing” for MLB teams seeking a polished, high-upside arm.

As LSU prepares for Game 2, Anderson’s shadow looms large. His 10 strikeouts, five walks, and three hits allowed over nine scoreless innings have set the tone for the Tigers’ championship pursuit. For a Louisiana native who grew up idolizing LSU, this was more than a game—it was a love letter to his home state, etched in every pitch. Whether he takes the mound again in Omaha or not, Kade Anderson has already left an indelible mark on LSU baseball and a legacy that will resonate far beyond the bayou.