**Coastal Carolina Secures Spot in MCWS After 23 Straight Wins**

Coastal Carolina's long-awaited return to the Men's College World Series (MCWS) has finally arrived. Following their triumphant victory in 2016, the Chanticleers have been on a consistent quest to make it back to Omaha. This goal has persisted annually, bolstered by the determination of multiple teams and the guidance of their longstanding coach Gary Gilmore, who retired in 2024 after nearly three decades in charge.

On Saturday, the Chanticleers clinched their coveted spot once again by defeating No. 4 Auburn 4-1 in their super regional, marking their 23rd consecutive win. This victory secured Coastal Carolina's place as the first team in the NCAA tournament to guarantee a trip to the MCWS, marking their second appearance in program history.

During the super regional, the Chanticleers displayed resilience and strategic play. They began Game 1 with a narrow 7-6 win, aided by pivotal performances from catcher Caden Bodine and second baseman Blake Barthol. However, Game 2 started slowly, with Coastal Carolina managing only one hit in the first three innings. Despite loading the bases in the fifth inning, they found themselves trailing 1-0 at the start of the seventh inning.

The game's turning point came in the seventh inning. Left fielder Sebastian Alexander ignited the Chanticleers' momentum with a double, their first extra-base hit of the contest. This was followed by a crucial RBI single from third baseman Walker Mitchell, tying the game. They took the lead on a wild throw from Auburn's left-hander Cade Fisher, and center fielder Wells Sykes extended the lead with a hit-by-pitch that brought in another run.

Mitchell further solidified the Chanticleers' advantage with another RBI single in the eighth inning, bringing the score to 4-1. Coastal Carolina’s pitching staff, known for having the second-best ERA nationally, held strong. Left-hander Hayden Johnson sealed the game in the ninth inning by securing three straight outs after allowing a single.

The Chanticleers celebrated their hard-fought achievement with jubilant hugs, airborne gloves, and an exuberant dogpile near the mound at Plainsman Park. After nearly a decade of determination and hard work, Coastal Carolina's return to the MCWS symbolizes a significant milestone for the program.