Arizona vs. Coastal Carolina: 2025 College World Series Game 1 Preview

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The 2025 NCAA Division I College World Series (CWS) opens Friday at 2 PM ET in Omaha, Nebraska, with a marquee matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Both teams arrive in Omaha with impressive credentials, unique strengths, and postseason momentum, promising a compelling start to college baseball’s biggest event.

How They Got Here: Season and Postseason Recap

Arizona Wildcats

Arizona’s 2025 campaign has been a story of resilience and timely surges. After a late-season stumble, dropping five of their last eight regular-season games, the Wildcats flipped the switch in the Big 12 tournament, capturing the title in their first year in the conference. They then swept through the Eugene Regional and upset No. 5 national seed North Carolina in the Chapel Hill Super Regional, winning back-to-back elimination games after a lopsided 18-2 loss in Game 15.

Arizona enters Omaha with a 44-19 record, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Their postseason run has been defined by clutch hitting, bullpen heroics, and the emergence of star outfielder Brendan Summerhill, a projected first-round MLB Draft pick hitting .358 with a .477 OBP2 5.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Coastal Carolina’s 2025 season is already historic—the second-best in program history at 53-11 and counting. The Chanticleers arrive in Omaha riding a 23-game winning streak, the longest active streak in college baseball. Their last loss came on April 22, and since then, they’ve swept four straight series, claimed the Sun Belt Tournament crown, and powered through their regional and Super Regional, including a sweep of No. 4 Auburn1 3 5.

The Chanticleers have combined elite pitching (second-best ERA in the nation at 3.25), opportunistic offense, and aggressive baserunning to become one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the field1 5.

Team Profiles: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Key Players

Arizona Wildcats

Offense:
Led by Brendan Summerhill (.358 AVG, .477 OBP), Arizona’s lineup is deep and versatile. Mason White and Aaron Walton provide additional pop and speed, while the team as a whole excels at situational hitting and manufacturing runs2 5.
Pitching:
Arizona’s biggest question mark is its starting pitching. The rotation lacks a true ace, putting pressure on the bullpen to carry the load. The relief corps, however, has been outstanding in the postseason, with Tony Pluta (school-record 14 saves) anchoring the back end2.
Style of Play:
The Wildcats thrive on small ball, aggressive baserunning, and clutch performances in high-leverage situations. Their ability to come from behind and win close games has been a hallmark of their postseason run.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Offense:
Coastal Carolina’s offense is built on speed and execution. They led the Sun Belt in stolen bases, with Sebastian Alexander (27 steals) and Wells Sykes (17 steals) setting the tempo. Junior catcher Caden Bodine, a Buster Posey Award finalist, is the offensive and defensive anchor, batting .332 with 41 RBIs and providing leadership behind the plate1 5.
Pitching:
The Chanticleers boast the second-best team ERA in the nation (3.25) and a deep, talented staff. Ace Jacob Morrison (11-0, 2.15 ERA) is a true stopper, while the bullpen is among the best in Omaha. Their pitching depth allows them to match up with any offense and withstand the rigors of the double-elimination format1 5.
Defense:
Coastal Carolina also led the Sun Belt in fielding percentage, turning defense into a weapon and minimizing mistakes in high-pressure situations1.

Statistical Comparison

Category	Arizona Wildcats	Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Record	44-19	53-11
Postseason Record	10-1 (last 11 games)	23-game win streak
Team ERA	~4.00 (est.)	3.25 (2nd in NCAA)
Top Hitter	Brendan Summerhill	Caden Bodine
Steals Leader	N/A	Sebastian Alexander (27)
Fielding Percentage	Strong	Sun Belt leader
CWS Appearances	19th	2nd (first since 2016)

Key Storylines and Matchup Analysis

1. Pitching Depth vs. Offensive Firepower

Coastal Carolina’s pitching staff is the most complete in Omaha outside of Arkansas, with Morrison leading a rotation that can go deep into games and a bullpen that slams the door1 5. Arizona, by contrast, relies on a patchwork rotation and a battle-tested bullpen. The Wildcats’ formula is to keep games close and then let their offense and relievers take over late2.

2. Speed and Pressure

Coastal Carolina’s aggressive baserunning will test Arizona’s catchers and infielders. The Chanticleers’ ability to create havoc on the basepaths is a major X-factor, especially in a ballpark like Charles Schwab Field, where extra-base hits are at a premium1 5.

3. Clutch Hitting and Momentum

Both teams have shown a knack for timely hitting. Arizona’s comeback against North Carolina and Coastal’s late-inning rallies throughout their win streak suggest that no lead is safe. The first few innings will be critical for setting the tone and testing nerves.

4. Omaha Factor

Charles Schwab Field is known for suppressing home runs and rewarding teams that can manufacture runs and play clean defense. Both Arizona and Coastal Carolina fit this mold, but the Chanticleers’ superior fielding and pitching depth may give them a slight edge1 5.

Odds and Expert Predictions

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Coastal Carolina is favored over Arizona in the opener, with the Chanticleers at -245 and the Wildcats at +286 on the money line3. Coastal Carolina is also tied for third in overall CWS title odds (+650), while Arizona sits at +1400, sixth among the eight teams3.

Quotes and Insights

“Coastal Carolina stands out as the most formidable team in college baseball at the moment. Their last defeat occurred on April 22… the Chanticleers have achieved four consecutive series sweeps and clinched the Sun Belt Tournament title.”
— LSU Tigers Wire/USA Today1

“Arizona’s main weakness is starting pitching, and the Wildcats will need strong bullpen performances and run support in the College World Series.”
— Sports Illustrated2

“The pitching staff has been the headliner for Coastal Carolina, holding the second-best ERA in the country (3.25) and tied for the second-lowest WHIP (1.18). The offense has turned up the heat recently too, scoring 29 runs across three regional games and 11 in two super regional contests.”
— NCAA.com5

Players to Watch

Arizona Wildcats

Brendan Summerhill (OF): The engine of Arizona’s offense and a projected first-round MLB pick. If he gets on base, Arizona’s chances improve dramatically2.
Mason White (INF): Clutch hitter who has delivered in big moments all postseason2.
Tony Pluta (RP): School-record 14 saves; could be called upon for multiple innings in a tight game2.

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Caden Bodine (C): Buster Posey Award finalist, .332 AVG, 41 RBIs, and the leader of the pitching staff5.
Jacob Morrison (RHP): 11-0, 2.15 ERA; the ace who gives Coastal a chance to win every time out5.
Sebastian Alexander (OF): 27 steals, sets the tone atop the lineup and pressures defenses1.

What to Expect: Game Flow and Tactics

Early Innings:
Expect both teams to play conservatively at first, feeling out opposing pitchers and looking for defensive weaknesses. Arizona will try to get to Coastal’s starter early, while the Chanticleers will look to pressure Arizona’s defense with bunts, steals, and hit-and-run plays.
Mid-Game Adjustments:
Arizona’s bullpen will likely be called upon by the fifth or sixth inning. If the Wildcats can keep the game close, their late-inning offense and relief depth could swing momentum. Coastal, with more starting pitching depth, will try to build a lead and let their dominant bullpen finish the job.
Late Innings:
Expect tight, situational baseball—bunts, stolen bases, and aggressive baserunning. One defensive miscue or timely hit could decide the opener.

Intangibles and X-Factors

Experience:
Arizona has been to Omaha three times since 2016, while Coastal is making just its second appearance since winning it all in 20165. Both teams have players with postseason experience, but the Wildcats’ recent CWS history could help in handling the pressure.
Coaching:
Both coaching staffs have proven adept at making in-game adjustments and managing bullpens. The chess match between Arizona’s Chip Hale and Coastal’s Kevin Schnall will be fascinating.
Momentum:
Coastal Carolina’s 23-game win streak is the story of the tournament. Arizona, however, has shown it can handle adversity, bouncing back from blowout losses and elimination games5.

Prediction

Given Coastal Carolina’s combination of elite pitching, defense, and baserunning, they enter as the favorites. Arizona’s path to victory depends on keeping the game close, getting a lead for their bullpen, and hoping for clutch hits from Summerhill and White. The Chanticleers’ depth and recent dominance, however, make them the team to beat in this opener.

Projected Score:
Coastal Carolina 5, Arizona 3

But as this postseason has shown, expect drama, lead changes, and the unexpected—Omaha always delivers.

Conclusion

Friday’s Arizona vs. Coastal Carolina showdown is a fitting opener for the 2025 College World Series: two red-hot teams, contrasting styles, and a stage set for drama. Whether it’s the Wildcats’ scrappy resilience or the Chanticleers’ all-around excellence, fans can expect a classic to kick off Omaha’s 75th anniversary.

AI assisted in the research and preparation of this article, drawing on verified reports, statistics, and expert analysis from NCAA.com, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and official NCAA postseason records1 2 3 5.