Coastal Carolina Advances, Pac-12 Struggles: College World Series Day 3 Recap

Omaha, NE – Day 3 of the 2024 College World Series delivered dramatic finishes and surprising upsets, with Coastal Carolina securing the first spot in the tournament semifinals. The Chanticleers defeated Oregon State 6-2, thanks to a dominant pitching performance from Jacob Morrison.

Meanwhile, Louisville rallied late to defeat Arizona 8-3, overcoming a one-run deficit with a six-run explosion in the eighth inning. The Cardinals will now face Oregon State in an elimination game on June 17th, with the winner needing to defeat Coastal Carolina twice to advance further.

Small ball reigned supreme on Day 3. While Arizona and Oregon State combined for three home runs, neither team emerged victorious. Louisville and Coastal Carolina relied on timely hits, sacrifice plays, and aggressive baserunning to secure their wins. The Cardinals stole three bases and capitalized on Arizona's defensive miscues.

Coastal Carolina's success highlights the growing resurgence of mid-major programs in college baseball. The Chanticleers are the first mid-major team to reach the College World Series semifinals since their own national championship run in 2016.

Paul Skenes, the former LSU pitching sensation, made an unexpected appearance in the news. Skenes' upcoming attendance at LSU's game generated buzz, and Coastal Carolina pitcher Jacob Morrison even drew comparisons to the MLB star based on their impressive pitching statistics.

Defensive errors proved costly at Charles Schwab Field. Arizona's two errors in the eighth inning led to four unearned runs for Louisville, while Oregon State's miscues allowed Coastal Carolina to score four unearned runs as well.

The intensity of the College World Series also led to some unfiltered moments. Mic'd-up umpires inadvertently captured players using inappropriate language after frustrating at-bats.

The former Pac-12 conference, despite sending three teams to Omaha, faced a setback as Arizona was eliminated and Oregon State now faces elimination. UCLA remains in the winner's bracket, but face a tough challenge against LSU.