OMAHA, Neb. — For many programs, reaching the College World Series is a rare achievement. For LSU Baseball, it’s a tradition. The Tigers earned their 20th trip to Omaha on Sunday, defeating West Virginia in dominant fashion during the Baton Rouge Super Regional and sealing their place among college baseball’s elite.
Over two games, LSU’s offense erupted for 28 total runs, showcasing a lineup firing on all cylinders at just the right time. Sunday’s victory was punctuated by a critical bases-clearing double from freshman infielder Steven Milam, helping LSU break the game open before a packed crowd at Alex Box Stadium.
“Alex Box was packed. It was awesome,” said junior first baseman Jared Jones. “There’s nothing more I could say than I’m just super grateful. What a wonderful day it’s been.”
Milam, who has embraced high-pressure moments throughout the postseason, continued his breakout run on Sunday.
“I just love the big moments,” Milam said. “It’s what I came here for, and that’s why you come to LSU.”
LSU’s approach at the plate has been relentless throughout the postseason. The Tigers displayed discipline and power, executing a game plan that emphasized attacking hittable pitches and taking advantage of walks.
“We just wanted pitches in the middle of the plate to do damage,” Jones explained. “And when they let us walk, we took it. That was our plan and we did a good job executing it.”
The Tigers also got a steady performance on the mound from right-hander Anthony Eyanson, who helped hold down a potent West Virginia lineup.
“Very tough lineup, obviously,” Eyanson said. “I just had to mentally lock in a little more than usual. At times I felt like I was moving too fast. I just needed to slow down, take a deep breath, and be myself.”
Sunday’s win marked LSU’s 10th Super Regional championship and the second under head coach Jay Johnson. For Johnson, this trip to Omaha carries deep personal significance.
“This is the best place in the world,” Johnson said. “It’s the only place in the world for me. I really wanted these guys to go because they earned it.”
He emphasized that his players had proven themselves, regardless of the outcome.
“Whether we won two games this weekend or not, they earned a trip to the College World Series,” Johnson said. “And I can’t wait to go chase a national championship with them.”
The head coach also expressed his commitment to the team and the program.
“I know where I’m at and what I’m entrusted with,” Johnson added. “I give it my entire life, and I give it to these guys — and they give it back to me.”
LSU now turns its attention to a familiar postseason rival: the Arkansas Razorbacks. The two Southeastern Conference powerhouses are set to clash in a primetime matchup Saturday night to open the 2025 College World Series.
With momentum on their side and Omaha once again on the horizon, the Tigers are aiming to add another chapter to their storied history.
