The first day of games is particularly important for the double elimination tournament, as a win keeps you in the winner's bracket. But a loss puts you in the loser's bracket — and one loss away from your season ending.

The College World Series begins Friday, with eight teams competing to decide who will earn the right to play for the championship.

Hello, baseball fans. Welcome to The Athletic's live coverage of the College World Series. We have eight intriguing teams to follow this week as they chase a national title.