LSU pitcher Kade Anderson delivered a commanding complete-game shutout against Coastal Carolina on Saturday in the College World Series, moving the Tigers one win away from a national championship. Anderson’s stellar outing featured 130 pitches, three hits allowed, and 10 strikeouts over nine innings, showcasing why he is viewed as a transformative figure in LSU’s pitching history alongside Paul Skenes.
Jay Johnson Compares Anderson to LSU Greats Skenes and Burrow
Coach Jay Johnson placed Anderson’s current season in the context of two of LSU’s most iconic athletes: Paul Skenes, who led LSU to a 2023 baseball national title, and Joe Burrow, the quarterback who delivered LSU’s 2019 football championship. Johnson emphasized that Anderson shares essential qualities with these legends, including character, resilience, and a team-first mindset.
He’s the best pitcher in college baseball,
Johnson said of Anderson.
We had the best pitcher in the planet two years ago (Skenes) in a similar situation. I’ve felt like Kade’s had a very similar season to that. That’s how you get here. I’m really proud of him. The commonality between the two is the person, the character, the toughness, the team-first attitude.
—Jay Johnson, LSU Head Coach
And you’re probably right (about this being the last game Anderson pitches for LSU). His next pitch should be for some place in the Washington Nationals organization. It’s not close. They usually draft really well. And he’s the best player in the country. There’s nobody closer to the major leagues than that right now. But I don’t think you can quantify (Anderson’s performance). Paul Skenes, Joe Burrow. That type of deal.
—Jay Johnson, LSU Head Coach
The Potential of Anderson to Join LSU Legends as a Top Draft Pick
Following a path similar to Paul Skenes, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Anderson is widely projected to be selected as either the first or second overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft. Alongside Skenes, Joe Burrow’s selection as the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft after winning the 2019 football title further highlights the rare success LSU has had in producing elite athletes who make an immediate impact at the professional level.
This season, Anderson has started 18 games with an 11-1 record, maintaining a 3.44 ERA while striking out 170 batters and allowing 88 hits over 110 innings, confirming his dominant role within the Tigers’ roster.
LSU’s Upcoming Championship Opportunity Against Coastal Carolina
The Tigers will face Coastal Carolina again Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET at Charles Schwab Field, with a victory securing LSU its coveted national championship. Should LSU fall short, a decisive winner-take-all game is scheduled for Monday at 6:30 p.m. CT, intensifying the stakes for both teams.