Coastal Carolina vs. LSU Prediction (June 21, 2025) – MCWS Game 1
Coastal Carolina hasn’t lost in 26 games. That’s a lotta games! And LSU just won on a ninth-inning rally that launched them right into the finals. Tomorrow, these two squads open the championship series, and it’s all on the line. Streaks are not safe, and neither are their legacies.
Game 1 kicks off the final round in Omaha. Coastal ratcheted up their wins with really aggressive baserunning, pitching that doesn’t give much of anything away, and hitters who smash at the plate when they can.
Carolina clamps opponents down with pressure and smart execution. LSU has raw power and a lineup that has proven they can bring runs in.
The sportsbooks have this closer than we expected! Will the Coastal underdogs surprise everyone? Or will LSU take it? Keep scrolling to see the matchup details, the pitchers in play, betting odds, and our three best bets for Saturday’s opener!
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers vs. LSU Tigers
- Date & Time: Saturday, June 21, first pitch at 7:00 pm ET
- Format: Game 1 of best‑of‑3 finals
- Venue: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha
- Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Betting Odds & Lines
If you’re wagering on this game, here are the latest odds and lines courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
Coastal | +1.5 (-158) | +134 | Over 8.5 (-113) |
LSU | -1.5 (+124) | -172 | Under 8.5 (-113) |
- Series odds: LSU ~66% implied probability; Coastal ~39%
Storylines & Stakes
Two teams playing peak baseball but with really different styles will meet on the biggest field in Omaha; here’s what we’re watching and what’s at stake!
- LSU punched its ticket to the finals with back-to-back wins, and one was a super dramatic walk-off against Arkansas to survive the bracket.
- Coastal Carolina comes in with 26 consecutive wins and a pitching staff that’s held opponents under four runs in seven of its last nine games.
- LSU relies on its overpowering front-line starter, and Coastal spreads out the work across a deeper bullpen that’s been really hard to rattle.
- Game 1 matters a lot; winning the opener in a short series gives a team more control, rest, and a big psychological edge going into Game 2.
Players to Watch
- Kade Anderson, LSU: Logged over 100 innings with a 3.44 ERA and just blanked Arkansas. When Anderson is on, he forces weak contact and devours innings.
- Riley Eikhoff, Coastal Carolina: Eikhoff has a 3.00 ERA and doesn’t give up any big innings. He’s been the team’s stabilizer in this stretch.
- Bullpen Comparison: Coastal’s late-game pitchers have been way more reliable. LSU’s relievers have been more vulnerable; they have an xFIP near 5.50 in their last 10 appearances.
Our Best Bets
Coastal Carolina +1.5 Run Line (+125)
Why do we like it?
- Coastal hasn’t lost a game by multiple runs since April 21. That includes matchups against the top 25 baseball programs.
- Their relievers lead all CWS teams in WHIP over the past five weeks and haven’t allowed a late-inning run since the regionals.
- LSU’s lineup does damage in quick bursts, but Coastal controls the tempo better and has played more close games.
Our Confidence Level ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5): This is a really good spot for a team that knows how to hold a one-run deficit or better!
Under 8.5 Total Runs
Why do we like it?
- Riley Eikhoff has gone at least 6 full innings in his last 4 starts without allowing more than 2 earned runs.
- Anderson, after some midseason command issues, has gone 3 straight starts with zero walks and 18 combined strikeouts.
- Both teams are batting under .250 with runners in scoring position in Omaha and rank top 20 in opponent on-base percentage.
Our Confidence Level ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5): We think we’ll see long outings from the starters and bullpen matchups that limit run spikes.
Bonus: Coastal Carolina ML (+140 to +155)
If you think that Coastal can outlast LSU in a lower-scoring game? This moneyline has some real appeal. They’ve been methodical in high-pressure moments and have handled closing situations with way less mistakes than LSU. If Eikhoff limits LSU’s top of the order and they scratch together 4–5 runs,? That’s usually enough behind this bullpen. The value is there if you’re fading LSU’s bullpen reliability!
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Who Wins Game 1? Our Take
This is looking like it’ll be one of the most competitive Game 1s we’ve seen in Omaha in years. LSU has name recognition, an amazing postseason track record, and a lineup that can change a game with only a few decent hits. Coastal hasn’t lost in over a month and keeps getting the important outs in close games.
From a betting angle, Coastal +1.5 is still the most dependable side. Why? Because of how reliable their relief staff has been. The Under 8.5 holds value, but that’s if we assume that both starters can stretch into the sixth inning. And if Anderson’s strikeout line opens at 5.5, there’s room for a play if he sees the top half of Coastal’s order twice (check the market; this bet isn’t available as of publication).
Neither side is gonna run away with this. We have two super-disciplined lineups and starters who know how to get out of jams.
We’re taking LSU by one run, but it could come down to a single late-game mistake or a bullpen slip!
Final Score Prediction: LSU 4, Coastal Carolina 3
LSU scratches across the go-ahead run in the eighth, capitalizing on a missed location and a sac fly. Coastal strands the tying run in the ninth, making it a 4–3 final that still hits the +1.5 run line.
