LSU defeats UCLA 9-5 in a rain-delayed 2025 Men’s College World Series game, advancing to the semifinals. Catch highlights and what’s next for both teams.
Tigers Roar in Omaha Showdown
On June 17, 2025, LSU baseball outlasted UCLA 9-5 in a dramatic, rain-delayed Men’s College World Series (MCWS) game at Charles Schwab Field, Omaha. The No. 6-seeded Tigers, powered by Jared Jones’ three-run homer, advanced to the semifinals, while No. 15 UCLA now faces elimination. The game, suspended Monday due to thunderstorms, resumed Tuesday, captivating fans and trending on social media for its high-stakes action.
Explosive First Inning Sets Tone
The game began with a bang on June 16. UCLA jumped to a 3-0 lead with RBIs from Roman Martin, AJ Salgado, and Payton Brennan. LSU responded fiercely, with Jared Jones crushing a 368-foot, three-run homer off UCLA’s Landon Stump, flipping the score to 4-3. The Tigers added another run in the third via a Luis Hernandez single, leading 5-3 when rain halted play.
Weather Delay and Resumption
Thunderstorms forced a three-hour delay, suspending the game until 11 a.m. ET on June 17. LSU switched to pitcher Casan Evans, while UCLA brought in Wylan Moss. The Tigers extended their lead to 7-3 in the fourth with a Daniel Dickenson RBI single. UCLA’s bullpen, using eight pitchers, struggled, allowing LSU to maintain control.
UCLA’s Late Rally Falls Short
UCLA fought back in the eighth, cutting the deficit to 7-5 with RBIs from Brennan and Blake Balsz. With bases loaded, LSU’s Chase Shores entered, inducing a groundout from Phoenix Call to end the threat. LSU sealed the 9-5 victory in the ninth with Jones’ RBI single, finishing with four RBIs. The Tigers outhit UCLA 12-9.
Standout Performances
LSU’s Jared Jones shone, going 2-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs. Anthony Eyanson, despite a rough first inning, stabilized for LSU. UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky, a Dick Howser Trophy finalist, went 1-for-4, but the Bruins’ 6-for-24 batting with runners in scoring position limited their comeback. LSU’s bullpen, led by Shores, was pivotal in closing out the game.
Social Media Buzz
The game trended on X, with posts praising Jones’ “Bear Bomb” homer and LSU’s resilience. @SECUnfiltered wrote, “Never a doubt. LSU takes down UCLA and the Tigahs are sitting PRETTY.” Fans also noted UCLA’s fight, with @UCLABaseball’s post, “Keep fighting 😤,” gaining traction. The weather delay added drama, fueling online discussions.
LSU’s Championship Path
LSU, now 2-0 in the MCWS, is one win from the championship series, facing the winner of UCLA vs. Arkansas on June 18. The Tigers’ 6-0 record in MCWS when starting 2-0 bodes well. UCLA, now in the losers’ bracket, must defeat No. 3 Arkansas at 7 p.m. ET on June 17 to stay alive.
UCLA’s Elimination Challenge
UCLA’s loss marks their first defeat in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, despite a 27-1 record when scoring first. The Bruins, who used eight pitchers, face a quick turnaround against Arkansas, fresh off Gage Wood’s historic no-hitter. Coach John Savage may turn to Cody Delvecchio, recently eligible, to spark a comeback.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
LSU’s victory positions them as favorites to reach the MCWS finals, with their potent offense and deep pitching staff. UCLA, however, faces a must-win against Arkansas to keep their title hopes alive. The Bruins’ resilience, with 21 come-from-behind wins this season, suggests they could still challenge. The MCWS continues to deliver thrilling baseball action.