Ranking the 10 best moments from LSU baseball's national championship run and CWS win
For head coach Jay Johnson, it's his second national title in the last three years. Johnson, who arrived at LSU for the 2022 season, is the fastest coach to win multiple national championships at the same program.
LSU is the standard in college baseball.
LSU's title run wasn't without drama -- there was plenty of it. The Tigers' season looked to be in doubt as LSU trailed Little Rock 5-1 in Game 7 of the Baton Rouge Regional. LSU came storming back to punch a ticket to the Super Regional. LSU swept West Virginia and made the trip to Omaha.
In the College World Series, LSU had to beat Arkansas twice and overcome a weather delay that forced LSU's meeting with UCLA to occupy two days.
Here are the 10 best moments from LSU baseball's postseason run.
10. Luis Hernandez ties it up vs. Little Rock in the Baton Rouge Regional
Down 5-1 to Little Rock, LSU was on the verge of being on the wrong end of one of the biggest upsets in college baseball history. Little Rock had a losing record in the regular season but won its conference tournament to earn a bid to the Big Dance. LSU being eliminated at the hands of the Trojans would have been cause for a meltdown in Baton Rouge.
Luis Hernandez made sure Little Rock didn't etch its name in the history books.
As LSU clawed back from the deficit, Luis Hernandez tied the game with a solo home run to left field. A fastball was left over the plate and Hernandez blasted a no-doubter. From there, the Tigers would roll to a 10-6 victory. Hernandez homered again later in the night and finished the game with three hits and three RBI.
9. Chase Shores gets the final out of the College World Series
LSU pitcher Chase Shores returned to the rotation in 2025 after missing all of 2024, recovering from Tommy John Surgery. But after some bumps, Shores was moved to the bullpen in mid-April. Shores struggled to adjust to the new role, but as the postseason arrived, LSU needed someone in the pen to step up alongside Casan Evans.
That man proved to Chase Shores.
In Game 2 on Sunday, I thought Jay Johnson was expected to turn to Evans out of the pen, but Evans wasn't needed with Shores pitching 2.2 scoreless innings to close it down.
Shores' final pitch hit 100 on the radar gun, forcing a double-play to end it.
For Shores, it was the highlight of his career after a rocky three years in Baton Rouge. Shores' stuff is electric, and it was on display in the College World Series.
7. Jared Jones put LSU in front with home run vs. UCLA
After LSU beat Arkansas to open their College World Series run, the Tigers faced UCLA with a chance to move to 2-0 in Omaha. A critical step towards reaching the final.
Anthony Eyanson was shaky in the first inning vs. the Bruins, allowing three runs. LSU was in an early hole, but it didn't last long. In the bottom of the first, LSU slugger Jared Jones put LSU up with a three-run homer. Jones got just enough to drive it out the opposite way.
The homer gave the momentum right back to LSU, and the Tigers led the rest of the way. The game was suspended a few innings later and had to be completed the next morning. We'll see Jones again later on this list.
6. Double-grand slams vs. West Virginia
The LSU lineup was feeling it in Game 1 of the super regional vs. West Virginia. The Tigers exploded for 16 runs thanks to Steven Milam and Josh Pearson smashing grand slams.
Milam's grand slam in the fifth inning made it 7-1 and put LSU in control of the game.
West Virginia began to mount a comeback in the sixth inning, but Pearson's grand slam in the bottom of the sixth put the game out of reach again.
When the lineup was revealed that day, some were surprised to see Pearson in the lead off spot. He did not play a big role for LSU down the stretch of the regular season, but Johnson trusted the veteran in a big spot and Pearson got it done.
5. Jared Jones home run ties the game vs Arkansas
LSU's second College World Series meeting with Arkansas was an all-timer. It was a pitcher's duel for most of the night, but the lineups began trading blows late in the game.
With LSU down 3-2 in the 8th inning, Jones made it back-to-back games with a home run. The ball got over the right-center wall and made it 3-3. Jones went 0-5 with five strikeouts in LSU's first contest vs. Arkansas, with Razorback pitcher Gabe Gaeckle getting the best of the LSU slugger. But Gaeckle made a mistake, leaving a fastball over the plate and it was Jones' turn to have some fun.
This was the final home run for the man who ranks No. 3 on LSU's all-time home runs list. There was more drama to come in this one.
4. Luis Hernandez comes through in the ninth vs. Arkansas
After Jones tied the game at three, Arkansas responded and went up 5-3 in the ninth inning. It looked like the Hogs were on the verge of forcing another game. Then Luis Hernandez got his say.
Hernandez smoked a ball to left field and Razorback outfielder Charles Davalan got a bad read on it. Davalan couldn't recover and the ball got to the wall. Two runs came in to score and the game was tied.
Hernandez, an Indiana State transfer, was a steady veteran presence for LSU throughout the season. When Hernandez came to the plate with runners on base in the NCAA Tournament, he wasn't phased by the pressure.
3. Casan Evans strikes out nine straight vs. Little Rock
With LSU needing a win vs. Little Rock to advance to the super regional, Zac Cowan got the start for the Tigers. But the script didn't go to plan. Cowan allowed four earned runs and didn't get out of the second inning. With the season hanging in the balance, Johnson called on Casan Evans.
Evans was nails out of the pen, stabilizing the game and giving the LSU offense a chance to come back.
At one point, Evans struck out nine straight Trojans. The game was on easy mode for the true freshman pitcher. From the second out in the fourth to the first out of the seventh, Evans was unhittable. These proved to be some of the most important innings of LSU's 2025 season. Evans played a critical role in LSU's title run.
2. Kade Anderson throws a complete game shutout vs. Coastal Carolina
LSU will take its chance vs. anyone with Kade Anderson on the mound. The sophomore lefty led the country in strikeouts and entered the conversation to be the MLB Draft's No. 1 overall pick.
Anderson's best performance of the year came in his biggest start of the year. In Game 1 of the College World Series final vs. Coastal Carolina, Anderson threw nine shutout innings.
Anderson issued a career-high five walks and had to pitch through traffic, but Anderson responded every time. Coastal Carolina only tagged Anderson for three hits -- all singles. Even with shaky command, the Chanticleers were struggling to put the bat on the baseball.
Anderson's outing put LSU in control of the series and in position to win the title on Sunday.
1. Jared Jones hits walk-off single vs. Arkansas
Jared Jones coming up with clutch hits was a theme for LSU in Omaha.
It was a week full of memorable moments, but Jones' walk-off single vs. Arkansas was the biggest of all. After Luis Hernandez tied the game with a double, Jones' single to center scored Hernandez to walk it off and win the game. It was a 2-1 count and Jones got just enough air on a line drive to get the ball out of the infield.
LSU capped off its 3-0 run through bracket play and punched its ticket to the College World Series final.
This wasn't Jones' first walk-off vs. Arkansas in 2025. In the regular season, Jones hit a sac fly to score Ethan Frey and down the Razorbacks.
If Jones doesn't come through there, LSU would have had to play Arkansas again the next day. LSU's pitching was wearing thin and even if LSU won the third round, the Tigers would have been at a disadvantage vs. Coastal Carolina in the final.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
23 minutes ago
- USA Today
LSU football legend Marcus Spears makes bolds statement about Brian Kelly's future
Expectations are high for LSU football in 2025. And with high expectations comes pressure. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is entering year four with the program. His tenure so far includes two 10-win seasons, but he's yet to lead LSU to a College Football Playoff. LSU signed the No. 1-ranked transfer class and retained quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. This is a talented roster and it was good enough to earn LSU a top-10 ranking in the initial coaches' poll. The hype train is rolling and former LSU football star Marcus Spears knows what that means for Kelly. "If you don't win big, if you're Brian Kelly, this fan base is done. And I'm just telling you, the wins and the success and all of the things, going to the SEC championship, your first year was great, but people still didn't feel like that was a big time accomplishment based on how it happened," Marcus Spears said. Spears referred to 2022, where LSU won the SEC West but was out of the playoff discussion thanks to a 9-3 regular season record. "This year, you see all of the transfers, you see the recruiting class, Garrett Nussmeier in the preseason Heisman conversation," Spears said, "All of those things in the past at LSU has aligned with them having big seasons." Spears said if LSU doesn't make the playoff, the fan base "is going to turn quickly on Brian Kelly." Spears' comments won't be news to Kelly. Every man who has held the head coaching position at LSU is familiar with the pressure. Ed Orgeron didn't shy away from talking about it during his tenure. Neither has Kelly. What are LSU football's odds of making the College Football Playoff? BetMGM odds as of Tuesday, August 5. LSU to make the College Football Playoff LSU football 2025 schedule
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Ranking top 5 matchups based on the US LBM coaches poll
The 2025 college football season is fast approaching, and with it comes a season that could be full of surprises and intrigue. The US LBM coaches poll has given the casual fan a blueprint not just to the mindset of those within the college football landscape, but also a guide to what could be the matchups that could define the season at large. From early non-conference battles to the chaotic nature of the Big Ten, these five games will be the ones to watch this year, whether you are a diehard fan of these programs or just a neutral observer. 5. No. 6 Clemson vs No. 9 LSU, Week 1 The first Week 1 game on this list, this is also the matchup with perhaps the two most experienced QBs on this list. Cade Klubnik is coming off a breakout campaign and in his third year as the starter, has the second best odds for the Heisman. Garrett Nussmeier though, could be right on his heels. In his second season starting for the Tigers, if he follows in the footsteps of guys like Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow, chances are LSU could make a deep run in the CFP. While certainly not the most mouth-watering Week 1 contest, Klubnik vs. Nussmeier is sure to please the neutral viewers. Get your popcorn ready for fireworks in SC. 4. No. 3 Penn State vs No. 19 Indiana, Week 9 As Penn State fans will soon see, their squad will be heavily featured on this list. That is the result of perhaps the most hyped-up preseason coverage the Nittany Lions have ever received. They have returned the bulk of their starters and a championship game appearance is expected, not desired. The first potential roadblock in that quest(at least on this list) are a pesky Indiana side looking to sustain their stunning success from last season. While Kurtis Rourke and Justice Ellison are no longer in Bloomington, Fernando Mendoza's transfer from Cal at the very least gives this Hoosiers squad yet another serviceable arm. Mikail Kamara's return after forgoing the draft also can be impactful on their defensive success. This game won't be a cakewalk for Drew Allar and after a game against the Buckeyes the previous week. 3. No. 3 Penn State vs. No. 7 Oregon, Week 4 Even before Penn State gets to that tough two-game stretch midseason, they have a bone to pick with with the team from Eugene. After losing in heartbreaking fashion in the Big Ten championship game, the Nittany Lions are out for revenge, and this time will have the home field advantage. Even more importantly, this is the Whiteout game and the first Big Ten matchup of the season for the team. Beaver Stadium will be electric, and the team are sure to be amped up by the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Ducks may not be the same squad as last year, but if Dante Moore is just serviceable enough, then Oregon could cause Penn State some problems. Experience will matter a lot in this one and Drew Allar must prove he's ready to deliver. After a easy three-game slate to start the year, this game starts Penn State's trial by fire. 2. No. 3 Penn State vs No. 2 Ohio State, Week 8 Speaking of trial by fire in the Big Ten, this will still prove to be the Nittany Lion's toughest test. Penn State haven't beaten the Buckeyes in almost a decade, and it's beginning to take a psychological toll. They had perhaps their best chance last season to vanquish those demons, but poor red zone execution cost them late. This time around, they will have gained a bit of momentum with four Big Ten games under their belt and a potential home victory under their belt over Oregon. Most importantly, they have the slight experience at almost every position. That does not mean this will be easy sledding. Presumptive starter Julian Sayin still has the best WR corps in the nation to throw to and Caleb Downs will be marshaling one of the scariest secondaries Penn State will see all year. Allar and Co. must prove their mettle yet again here, because unlike against Indiana and Oregon, he won't have his home support behind him. 1. No. 1 Texas vs No. 2 Ohio State, Week 1 If this game didn't already have this much hype surrounding it, the coaches poll gave it all the prime billing. A rematch of the CFP semifinal where Texas was one play away from forcing overtime, but with new faces at the helm. The first game of the Arch Manning regime, and it's on the road in one of the most hostile environments in college sports. Julian Sayin looking to make himself a fan favorite and quick with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Neither team would want it either way. Ever since Sark's arrival on the Forty Acres, he has made it his mission for Texas to go anywhere in the country and take the scalps of big nonconference foes. He did it to Alabama 2 years ago and Michigan last year. If he can do it this year, with one of the most hyped QB prospects ever, Arch's legend will only grow. On the other side, Ryan Day will be trying to build off of his first ever championship while slightly retooling his squad throughout the year. While not the biggest game of their season, the Buckeyes are still looking to prove a point. It's anyone's guess how this will all turn out come August 30th.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Should the Raiders move Jamal Adams back to safety following Lonnie Johnson injury?
Also seeing some first-team LB snaps for Jamal Adams The Las Vegas Raiders lost starting safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. to a broken fibula at training camp. Johnson will now be sidelined for multiple months as a result. Head coach Pete Carroll is tasked with replacing the projected starter in his defensive lineup. The Raiders have various options. They could believe in the in-house solutions on the roster. General manager John Spytek could consider signing a veteran free-agent safety. Alternatively, one intriguing option includes moving linebacker Jamal Adams back to his former position at safety. The Raiders signed Adams, a former LSU standout, in late July. Carroll immediately announced that he'd be switching positions to linebacker. Most recently, Adams has even received first-team reps at linebacker during training camp practices. Though the Raiders could be tempted to move Adams back to safety following Johnson's injury, it would be a bad idea. Firstly, Adams is thriving at linebacker, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has been pleased with his acclimation. Secondly, the aging defender no longer possesses the athleticism required to play a coverage role at safety. Even at his best, the three-time Pro Bowl Adams was always better suited to defend near the line of scrimmage. Adams drives forward as an excellent tackler and blitzer. That was before the now-29-year-old suffered a string of injuries that limited his effectiveness, including a torn labrum, hip injury, and torn quad tendon. Signing Adams reunited him with Carroll, who coached him for four campaigns (2020-23) in Seattle. Moving to linebacker offers him an opportunity to extend his career after several anonymous seasons consecutively. The Raiders have new concerns at safety, but Adams isn't a solution.
