LSU's Star Pitcher Takes Center Stage

In a thrilling opener of the Men's College World Series, LSU's ace left-hander Kade Anderson delivered a performance that could solidify his status as the top pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Leading the charge against Coastal Carolina, Anderson threw a masterful shutout, guiding LSU to a hard-fought 1-0 victory and putting the team one win away from claiming its second NCAA title in three years.

Dominance on the Mound

Anderson's stats were nothing short of impressive: he pitched eight innings, allowing only three hits while walking five batters and striking out an eye-popping ten—all on 130 pitches. This remarkable outing marked the first shutout in the finals of the Men's College World Series since 2018, and ended Coastal Carolina's 26-game winning streak—the best in the nation.

A Bright Future Ahead

Ranked No. 3 by MLB Pipeline for the upcoming draft, Anderson is a prime candidate for the Washington Nationals, who hold the coveted No. 1 pick. The 20-year-old's main competition is Oklahoma high school shortstop Ethan Holliday, the son of MLB All-Star Matt Holliday. With a fastball clocked in the mid-90s and a repertoire featuring a devastating slider and changeup, Anderson clearly has the tools to succeed at the next level.

Team Effort Makes the Difference

Despite Anderson's brilliance, he was quick to credit his defense. "A lot of credit to our defense; I didn't have that many strikeouts, so they made some great plays behind me," he remarked, illustrating that baseball is very much a team sport. Tigers' scoring came early as Derek Curiel's leadoff walk set the stage for Steven Milam's RBI single in the first inning.

What's Next?

With LSU now on the cusp of clinching the championship, they'll have their first chance to seal the deal on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. As fans gear up for the next game, all eyes will be on Kade Anderson—could he be the future face of Major League Baseball?