OMAHA SHOWDOWN: Coastal Carolina Steals the Spotlight as College World Series 2025 Heats Up
The iconic TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha is abuzz with excitement as the 2025 College World Series (CWS) reaches its peak. In a thrilling matchup that’s got the baseball world talking, Coastal Carolina has emerged victorious over Arizona, sending shockwaves throughout the competition. This electrifying display of skill and determination has set the stage for what promises to be a truly unforgettable tournament.
The Racers’ Journey to the College World Series
Murray State, out of the Missouri Valley Conference, joins a geographically diverse field that includes two teams from the SEC (Arkansas and LSU) and one each from the ACC (Louisville), Big 12 (Arizona), Big Ten (UCLA) and Sun Belt (Coastal Carolina) as well as one independent (Oregon State).
The Racers are going to Omaha for the College World Series for the first time in their program history after a 5-4 win over Duke tonight. Murray State was fourth for the Oxford Regional but has been the storyline of this NCAA Tournament.
The Racers lost Game 1 of their Super Regional but bounced back to win the next two games. It’s not interference, and we play on. There are two outs and Jake Hyde is at the plate for the Blue Devils. He hit a bomb of a home run in this game.
The College World Series Field: A Geographically Diverse Group
All eight of the slots have been filled for the College World Series: The pairings are set for the College World Series’ first two days with tonight’s game completing the field.
The first game will start at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, pitting Coastal Carolina vs. Arizona. The second game on Friday will be Oregon State vs. Louisville at 7 p.m. ET. On Saturday, UCLA will face Murray State at 2 p.m. ET, and the first round will be completed by LSU vs. Arkansas at 7 p.m. ET.
Murray State is going to Omaha for the College World Series for the first time in its program history after a 5-4 win over Duke tonight. Murray State was fourth for the Oxford Regional but has been the storyline of this NCAA Tournament.
The Eight-Team Field: A Quick Look
The teams and their conference affiliations are as follows:
- Arkansas (SEC)
- Coastal Carolina (Sun Belt)
- LSU (SEC)
- Louisville (ACC)
- Murray State (Missouri Valley Conference)
- Oregon State (Independent)
- UCLA (Big Ten)
- Arizona (Big 12)
- Friday at 2 p.m. ET: Coastal Carolina vs. Arizona
- Friday at 7 p.m. ET: Oregon State vs. Louisville
- Saturday at 2 p.m. ET: UCLA vs. Murray State
- Saturday at 7 p.m. ET: LSU vs. Arkansas
The pairings for the first two days are as follows:
Game Analysis and Implications
The Battle for Omaha: Coastal Carolina vs. Arizona
A closer look at the teams’ performances shows that Coastal Carolina finished the first game of the CWS with 14 hits, led by Blake Barthol with three. The bottom of the lineup was terrific with Blagen Pado, Ty Dooley, Dean Mihos and Wells Sykes each finishing with two hits.
Adonys Guzman led the Wildcats with three hits, while Tommy Splaine added two. Owen Kramkowski went five innings and allowed three runs and nine hits. He struck out seven.
Coastal Carolina remains undefeated in the NCAA Tournament, winning all six of its games. The Chanticleers won their three regional games and then swept Auburn in the Super Regionals before beating Arizona today.
Murray State’s Historic Win: What it Means for the Program
The Racers’ journey to the College World Series marks a historic moment for the program. Murray State is going to Omaha for the first time in its program history after a 5-4 win over Duke tonight.
Murray State was fourth for the Oxford Regional but has been the storyline of this NCAA Tournament. The Racers lost Game 1 of their Super Regional but bounced back to win the next two games.
The implications for the Missouri Valley Conference are significant. Murray State’s appearance in the College World Series is a testament to the conference’s growing strength in baseball.
STREAKONOMICS
Infielder Garen Caulfield carries the longest active hit streak on the team into this Friday’s action at the College World Series, having hit safely in five consecutive games.
During that streak, Caulfield is hitting .348 (8-for-23) with five runs scored, two doubles, two home runs, and two RBI.
BIG 12 AWARDS
Seven Wildcats picked up recognition last month with the announcement of the Big 12 Conference’s end of year baseball awards, highlighted by right-handed pitcher Tony Pluta who was selected as the league’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Pluta, the first conference Scholar-Athlete of the year in program history, was also named to the All-Big 12 Second Team along with infielder Mason White.
Additionally, first year right-handed pitcher Smith Bailey was voted onto the Big 12 All-Freshman Team. Arizona’s recognitions were rounded out by catcher Adonys Guzman, right-handed pitcher Owen Kramkowski, and outfielders Brendan Summerhill and Aaron Walton all earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention nods.
TUCSON’S OWN
Infielder and Tucson native Mason White has slugged his way into the Arizona Baseball record books.
With 10 home runs as a true freshman, a team-leading 19 last year as a sophomore, and 19 more so far this year, White is now second in program history with 48 dingers.
He has also piled up 110 career extra-base hits, tied for the most in program history. He passed his current head coach, Chip Hale, with two XBH on May 22 against BYU.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Coastal Carolina’s Historic Upset in the College World Series
As we conclude our live updates from the College World Series 2025, one thing is clear: Coastal Carolina’s 5-4 victory over Arizona in Omaha will be etched in the memories of baseball fans for years to come. The Chanticleers’ thrilling win marked a milestone moment in college baseball history, as they became the first team from the Big South Conference to reach the championship series. This Cinderella story was filled with dramatic twists and turns, from a late-game rally to a heart-stopping finish. Our live updates captured the essence of this electric atmosphere, bringing readers into the midst of the action as it unfolded.
The significance of this upset cannot be overstated. Coastal Carolina’s victory not only sent shockwaves through the college baseball world but also highlighted the competitive parity that exists across different conferences. The Chanticleers’ improbable run to the championship series will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of players and coaches, demonstrating that underdog stories are not only possible but also a reminder that anything can happen in the world of sports. As we look to the future, the implications of this upset will likely be felt in the recruiting process, with top prospects from across the country taking notice of Coastal Carolina’s remarkable achievement.
In the end, Coastal Carolina’s win serves as a powerful reminder that sports have the ability to transcend tradition, defy expectations, and captivate audiences in ways that few other events can. As we close the book on this year’s College World Series, we are left with a sense of awe and admiration for the Chanticleers’ remarkable journey. And as we look to next year’s tournament, one question lingers in the minds of fans: who will be the next team to defy the odds and etch their name into the annals of college baseball history?
