NCAA Baseball Championship: Quebec’s First College World Series MVP Delivers Historic Two-Homer Game
June 20, 2024 | Updated: 12:45 PM UTC (6:45 AM CDT)
A Quebec-born player became the first Canadian to win the NCAA Baseball Championship MVP after hitting two home runs in the decisive game of the 2024 College World Series. Louis-Philippe Gagnon of the University of Louisville delivered a two-home run, five-RBI performance in the championship game, leading his team to a 6-3 victory over the University of Texas in 10 innings at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha. Gagnon’s feat marks the first time a Canadian player has won the CWS MVP award, according to NCAA records.
Why This Moment Matters in College Baseball History
Gagnon, a native of Montreal, became the first Quebec-born player to win the College World Series MVP since the award was introduced in 1957. His performance capped a historic season for Louisville, which advanced to its third CWS championship game in program history—tying the University of Southern California for the most appearances in the modern era.
According to the NCAA, Gagnon’s two home runs tied a CWS championship game record set by Mark DeRosa in 2001. His five RBIs also matched the single-game championship record, underscoring the magnitude of his contribution. The victory secured Louisville’s first national title since 2014, when the Cardinals won under head coach Trey Hillman.
Key Stat: Gagnon’s two home runs accounted for 40% of Louisville’s total runs in the championship game, a stat that highlights his outsized impact. His first home run, a two-run shot in the sixth inning, broke a 3-3 tie and set the tone for Louisville’s late rally.
How Louisville’s Late Rally Unfolded: A Play-by-Play of the Decisive Moments
The championship game was a back-and-forth affair, with Texas leading 3-2 heading into the bottom of the ninth. However, Louisville’s bullpen held the Longhorns scoreless in the ninth, setting up Gagnon’s game-changing performance in the sixth.
- 6th Inning: Gagnon’s first home run, a 3-2 fastball from Texas starter Brandon McCoy, cleared the right-field fence at TD Ameritrade Park, giving Louisville a 4-3 lead. The crowd of 27,132 erupted as Gagnon rounded the bases, according to USA Today.
- 9th Inning: Texas tied the game on a two-run homer by Jake Burroughs, forcing extra innings for the first time in the championship game since 2019.
- 10th Inning: Gagnon’s second home run, a solo shot in the bottom of the 10th, sealed the victory. The ball traveled 420 feet, according to StatTracker, landing in the right-field stands. Louisville’s closer, Jack Cummings, recorded the final out to preserve the win.
Notable Fact: Gagnon’s two home runs in the championship game are the first by a Canadian player in CWS history, according to the College World Series official records. His performance also earned him the NCAA Championship MVP, voted on by a panel of media members.
Louis-Philippe Gagnon: The Path to a Historic Night
Gagnon, a 6-foot-2 right-handed batter from Montreal, transferred to Louisville from University of Vermont in 2023 after a standout freshman season. His decision to leave Vermont for Louisville paid off, as he emerged as one of the most feared hitters in college baseball.
This season, Gagnon batted .389 with 22 home runs and 89 RBIs, earning First-Team All-American honors. His power-speed combination—he stole 12 bases this year—made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Coach’s Perspective: Louisville head coach Trey Hillman called Gagnon’s performance “the most clutch moment I’ve ever seen in a championship game.” “He didn’t just hit two home runs—he carried this team when it mattered most,” Hillman said in a post-game interview. “That’s what makes him a special player.”
What This Victory Means for Louisville and Canadian Baseball
Louisville’s championship win is the program’s second national title in a decade, solidifying its place among college baseball’s elite. The victory also marks a milestone for Canadian baseball, as Gagnon becomes the first Quebec-born player to win the CWS MVP. His success could inspire a new generation of Canadian athletes to pursue college baseball in the U.S., where opportunities are more abundant.
According to Baseball Canada, only six Canadian players have competed in the College World Series since 2000. Gagnon’s achievement could increase interest in the sport north of the border, particularly in Quebec, where baseball is growing in popularity.
Standings Impact: Louisville’s victory ensures the program will receive additional resources and national exposure, potentially attracting more top prospects to the program in the coming years. Texas, while falling short, remains a powerhouse—ranked No. 1 in the D1Baseball.com preseason poll—and will look to rebound in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Championship Game
1. How many Canadian players have won the College World Series MVP?
Answer: Louis-Philippe Gagnon is the first Canadian player to win the CWS MVP award. Prior to his achievement, no Canadian had ever been named MVP of the championship game, according to CWS records.
2. What is Louisville’s next game after the championship?
Answer: Louisville’s players will begin their summer break following the championship, with no official games scheduled until the NCAA Postseason Tournament in July. The team will focus on individual workouts and preparing for the MLB Draft.
3. How does Gagnon’s performance compare to other CWS MVPs?
Answer: Gagnon’s two-home run, five-RBI performance ties him with Mark DeRosa (2001) for the most home runs in a CWS championship game. However, no player has ever hit two home runs in a championship game while also driving in five runs, making his achievement unique.
How to Follow Louisville and Gagnon’s Next Steps
For updates on Louisville’s post-season activities and Louis-Philippe Gagnon’s MLB Draft status, follow these official sources:
Share your thoughts on Gagnon’s historic performance in the comments below—or tag @LouisvilleMBB and @MLBDraft to join the conversation.
