News Summary
The LSU Tigers advanced to the College World Series championship series with a dramatic 6-5 victory over Arkansas. This win demonstrates the team’s resilience, overcoming several deficits and showcasing their competitive spirit. With key performances from players and critical plays throughout the game, LSU has set the stage for a fierce championship battle against Coastal Carolina.
Omaha, Nebraska — LSU advanced to the College World Series (CWS) championship series after a thrilling 6-5 victory over Arkansas on June 18, 2025. This dramatic win marks one of the most improbable in LSU’s CWS history, as the Tigers showcased resilience by overcoming three different deficits during the game.
The victory propels LSU into their next challenge, where they will compete for their eighth CWS championship against Coastal Carolina, beginning on Saturday. The game against Arkansas was filled with memorable moments, pivotal plays, and some controversial calls, adding to the excitement of college baseball.
LSU’s first baseman Jared Jones emerged as the hero of the game, hitting a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning. Earlier in the game, he had struggled at the plate, striking out on multiple occasions, which made his late-game performance even more impactful. Throughout the match, both teams exchanged leads, highlighting their competitive spirit. Arkansas, recognized as one of the top teams in the nation, faced its fifth loss in Omaha against LSU, contributing to a historical record of 0-5 when competing head-to-head in the CWS.
The showdown began with Arkansas’ Ryder Helfrick putting his team on the board first, hitting a solo home run off LSU’s starting pitcher Zac Cowan in the fourth inning. However, the Tigers quickly answered back, with pinch-hitter Jake Brown delivering a two-run single in the sixth inning to regain the lead. But Arkansas responded again, taking an 8th-inning lead thanks to a two-run single from Justin Thomas.
As the game progressed, LSU’s intense determination became evident. Jared Jones tied the score with a dramatic two-out, first-pitch homer that traveled 398 feet, sending the energy in the stadium through the roof. Following this, LSU catcher Luis Hernandez managed to tie the game at 5-5, capitalizing on a mishap from Arkansas’ left fielder Charles Davalan who misplayed a line drive. Tension mounted as each team made critical errors, including Arkansas’ Wehiwa Aloy, who opted for a force out at third base instead of executing a potential double play, changing the game’s momentum.
LSU’s performance in this high-stakes environment was not without its challenges; the Tigers committed three errors, including one from Jared Jones. Despite these setbacks, the team’s ability to remain focused and seize opportunities was pivotal in their victory. Coach Jay Johnson acknowledged this win as possibly one of the greatest moments in his coaching career, a testament to the significance of the game.
The atmosphere surrounding the College World Series has invigorated Baton Rouge, where local restaurants and bars reported a noticeable increase in sales during this period, largely driven by the influx of enthusiastic LSU fans. Furthermore, these fans participated in the “Rocco’s Jello Shot Challenge,” selling over 13,789 shots and solidifying their status as the leading fan base in this fun competition.
LSU’s dramatic victory over Arkansas proved to be an exemplary display of the unpredictability and thrilling nature of college baseball. As they gear up for the championship, the Tigers carry with them not only the hopes of their supporters but also the determination to secure their place in CWS history.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: College World Series
- NCAA Live Updates
- Google Search: 2025 College World Series
- KETV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College World Series
- NOLA
- Google News: LSU College World Series
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