College Baseball · 6 months ago

D1Baseball Super Regional: West Virginia vs LSU Series Preview

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

Prediction – Can West Virginia Shock the World?
As gritty and balanced as West Virginia has been, this feels like LSU’s series to lose. The Tigers are loaded on both sides of the ball and have CWS-level depth in the rotation, bullpen, and lineup.

West Virginia will fight, but LSU in 2 feels like the most likely outcome. With the Baton Rouge crowd behind them and Omaha within reach, expect Jay Johnson’s squad to make a statement.

Series Odds: West Virginia +300 | LSU -400

*All Odds Subject to Change. Courtesy Bet365
Series Overview – West Virginia vs. LSU
This Super Regional matchup brings together a red-hot underdog and a College World Series powerhouse. The West Virginia Mountaineers (44-14) surged out of the Clemson Regional to earn their first Super appearance since 2019, while the #4 LSU Tigers (46-15) are looking to return to Omaha for the second time in three years under head coach Jay Johnson.

On paper, LSU is the deeper, more complete team. But West Virginia is no fluke—this team is fundamentally sound and has caught fire at the right time. Expect fireworks and high-leverage moments as the Mountaineers try to shock the world against a Tigers squad built for a national title.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Overall: 44-14

Conference: 19-9

RPI: 26

SOS: 93

#4 LSU Tigers

Overall: 46-15

Conference: 19-11

RPI: 14

SOS: 41

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
Where to Watch – LSU vs. West Virginia Super Regional
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Matchup: #4 LSU vs. West Virginia

Game 1: Saturday, June 7 – 2 p.m. ET | ESPN

Game 2: Sunday, June 8 – 6 p.m. ET | ESPN2

Game 3 (If Necessary): Monday, June 9 – TBD

The atmosphere in Baton Rouge will be electric as the Tigers look to defend home turf. With one of the country’s most raucous crowds behind them, LSU’s edge is real—but West Virginia has shown they won’t be intimidated.

Game 1 Odds

ML: West Virginia +230 | LSU -310

RL: West Virginia +2.5 (-115) | LSU -2.5 (-115)

Total: O 11.5 (-105) U 11.5 (-125)

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West Virginia – Balanced, Efficient, and Underrated
The Mountaineers are far from flashy, but they execute at a high level. They’re top 60 in nearly every offensive and pitching category despite a modest strength of schedule. Offensively, Sam White (.352) and Kyle West (.347) pace a team that doesn’t strike out much (17% K rate).

Pitching is anchored by two workhorses: Griffin Kirn, who’s tossed 95 innings and struck out 100, and Jack Kartsonas, with 64.1 IP. West Virginia ranks top 30 nationally in ERA (4.35), WHIP (1.37), and strikeout percentage (23.2%).

They answered critics with a 3-0 sweep of the Clemson Regional, capped by a comeback win over Kentucky in the finale. If they stay sharp, they could give LSU a serious scare.

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LSU – Juggernaut Mode Activated
This LSU team is an absolute machine. Offensively, they rank top 40 in slugging, OBP, home runs, and wRC+. Jared Jones, Daniel Dickinson, and Ethan Frey headline a loaded lineup, and freshmen like Derek Curiel and Jake Brown continue to make big contributions.

The pitching is even more dangerous. Kade Anderson (3.28 ERA) and Anthony Eyanson (2.50 ERA) give LSU one of the best 1-2 punches in the nation. As a team, the Tigers are third in strikeout rate, second in FIP, and top 10 in ERA and WHIP.

Their resilience was on full display in the Baton Rouge Regional, where they overcame a Game 6 deficit to punch their ticket. Simply put, this is a team built to win it all.
Regional Recap – How They Got Here
West Virginia swept through the Clemson Regional with wins over Kentucky (twice) and Clemson. They rallied from a five-run deficit in the regional final behind a six-run, two-out rally in the 8th. Armani Guzman delivered the go-ahead knock and earned MVP honors after going 8-for-12 on the weekend.

LSU was dominant early—beating Little Rock and Dallas Baptist by a combined 19–0—before being stunned by Little Rock in Game 6. In the winner-take-all finale, Casan Evans delivered a six-inning, 12-strikeout relief performance, and Ethan Frey went 4-for-4 with a homer and two doubles.
MLB Draft Watch – Stars on Both Sides
West Virginia

C Logan Sauve: Slashing .289/.399/.478 with as many walks as strikeouts (34), Sauve’s discipline and improved exit velocities make him a rising draft name.

LSU Tigers

LHP Kade Anderson: Mid-90s heater with a filthy slider, Anderson is a potential Day 1 pick.

2B Daniel Dickinson: One of the most consistent contact hitters in college baseball with improved pop.

RHP Anthony Eyanson: Fierce competitor with a deadly slider/curveball combo and 10 wins.

RHP Chase Shores: 6’8” flamethrower hitting 102 mph—electric bullpen weapon with huge upside.

1B Jared Jones: The power is real, and the improved contact rate (down from 37% to 24% whiff) is elevating his stock.

1B/OF Ethan Frey: Massive presence with plus raw power and elite exit velos—he crushes lefties.

OF Derek Curiel: A polished freshman already hitting .339 with a .458 OBP. A name to circle for 2026.
Prediction – Can West Virginia Shock the World?
As gritty and balanced as West Virginia has been, this feels like LSU’s series to lose. The Tigers are loaded on both sides of the ball and have CWS-level depth in the rotation, bullpen, and lineup.

West Virginia will fight, but LSU in 2 feels like the most likely outcome. With the Baton Rouge crowd behind them and Omaha within reach, expect Jay Johnson’s squad to make a statement.

Series Odds: West Virginia +300 | LSU -400

*All Odds Subject to Change. Courtesy Bet365
Series Overview – West Virginia vs. LSU
This Super Regional matchup brings together a red-hot underdog and a College World Series powerhouse. The West Virginia Mountaineers (44-14) surged out of the Clemson Regional to earn their first Super appearance since 2019, while the #4 LSU Tigers (46-15) are looking to return to Omaha for the second time in three years under head coach Jay Johnson.

On paper, LSU is the deeper, more complete team. But West Virginia is no fluke—this team is fundamentally sound and has caught fire at the right time. Expect fireworks and high-leverage moments as the Mountaineers try to shock the world against a Tigers squad built for a national title.

West Virginia Mountaineers

Overall: 44-14

Conference: 19-9

RPI: 26

SOS: 93

#4 LSU Tigers

Overall: 46-15

Conference: 19-11

RPI: 14

SOS: 41

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.

D1Baseball Super Regional: West Virginia vs LSU Series Preview

West Virginia Mountaineers

#4 LSU Tigers

West Virginia Mountaineers

#4 LSU Tigers

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