OMAHA, NE ― On Day 3 of the 2025 College World Series, Coastal Carolina became the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals with a 6-2 victory over Oregon State, bolstered by an impressive start from pitcher Jacob Morrison, who threw 7⅔ innings of one-run ball.
In another matchup, Louisville kept its hopes alive by defeating Arizona 8-3. The Cardinals, who were down 3-2 heading into the eighth inning, exploded for six runs in that frame, showcasing their resilience.
Louisville will now face Oregon State in a critical elimination game on June 17 at 2 p.m. ET. The winner of this match will advance to the semifinals and will need to contend with Coastal Carolina twice to claim the title.
Key aspects of Day 3 included:
**Small Ball Strategy**
Both Coastal Carolina and Louisville exhibited effective small-ball tactics. Notably, Louisville managed just one extra-base hit, whereas Coastal Carolina had two doubles and employed sacrifice bunts to move runners. This contrast highlights the importance of fundamental baseball, especially in a tournament setting.
**Mid-Major Resurgence**
Coastal Carolina’s advancement marks a significant moment for mid-major programs in the College World Series, a rarity given the historical dominance of larger schools. The Chanticleers previously made headlines in 2016 when they won the national title, and their current performance rekindles hopes for underdogs in collegiate baseball.
**Paul Skenes’ Legacy**
Paul Skenes, the former LSU standout and 2023 College World Series Most Outstanding Player, was referenced during the broadcast with a comparison to Morrison, noting that both pitchers shared a similar achievement of recording the most starts with six or more innings pitched and one or fewer runs allowed over the past five seasons.
**Defensive Struggles**
However, the day was not without its disappointments; both Arizona and Oregon State faced challenges in the field, committing crucial errors that led to unearned runs. These mistakes proved costly, particularly for Arizona, who saw their defense falter during the pivotal eighth inning.
In an interesting side note, the tournament has seen former Pac-12 teams making headlines, with three teams in Omaha. However, Arizona’s elimination and Oregon State’s precarious position after losing to Coastal Carolina may alter previous narratives about the conference’s dominance.
Overall, Day 3 of the College World Series provided a thrilling mix of perseverance and highlights, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of tournament action in Omaha.