- Coastal Carolina scores 5 runs in first 4 batters against Louisville
- Chanticleers extend historic win streak to 26 consecutive games
- Colby Thorndyke delivers 5 RBIs with second bases-loaded double in 2 games
- Team improves to perfect 43-0 record when leading after six innings
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers cemented their place in college baseball history Wednesday night with an 11-3 victory over Louisville at TD Ameritrade Park. The decisive win propels the program to its second College World Series finals appearance since their legendary 2016 championship run.
From the first pitch, Coastal Carolina demonstrated why they've become the tournament's most dangerous offensive unit. The Chanticleers batted through their entire lineup in the opening frame, scoring six runs before Louisville could record an out. This early explosion marked the team's 18th first-inning scoring barrage of 3+ runs this season.
Regional baseball analysts highlight the strategic advantage of Coastal's Omaha experience. Teams that maintain composure in this pressurized environment typically prevail,noted Nebraska Sports Weekly editor Mark Rasmussen. The Chanticleers' 7-4 record at TD Ameritrade Park since 2016 shows they've mastered tournament baseball.
Louisville's pitching strategy backfired dramatically when starter Colton Hartman surrendered five earned runs without recording an out. The decision to start a reliever with limited recent appearances contrasted sharply with Coastal's consistent rotation - a key differentiator according to NCAA tournament historians.
With their 56th win of the season, the Chanticleers now face either LSU or Arkansas in Saturday's championship series. The program's .836 winning percentage ranks third among all College World Series finalists since 2010, trailing only Vanderbilt's 2014 squad and the 2013 UCLA Bruins.
Industry experts point to three critical success factors for tournament teams: bullpen depth, defensive efficiency, and clutch hitting. Coastal Carolina leads all CWS participants in late-inning scoring differential (+38 runs after 6th inning) and two-out RBIs (27 in Omaha games). Their .982 fielding percentage through three bracket games further demonstrates championship-caliber fundamentals.
As the college baseball world turns its attention to Saturday's finals, Coastal Carolina stands poised to join rare company. Only five programs in NCAA history have won multiple championships within their first three College World Series appearances - a statistic that fuels both team motivation and fan anticipation.