LSU Walks Off Arkansas 6–5 and Heads to the College World Series Finals

Photo By: Bayou State Media Staff

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OMAHA, Neb. — June 18, 2025 — In one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025 Men’s College World Series, the LSU Tigers walked off the Arkansas Razorbacks, 6–5, to punch their ticket to the national championship series. Down 5–3 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, LSU staged a thrilling rally that will go down in Omaha lore. Sophomore Luis Hernandez delivered a clutch two-out double into left field, a shot that Arkansas outfielder Charles Davalan misjudged, allowing Ethan Frey and Steven Milam to score and tie the game.

Moments later, Jared Jones — who had already tied the game earlier with a solo home run in the eighth — came through again with a sharply hit ground ball that deflected off Arkansas second baseman Cam Kozeal’s glove, bringing Hernandez home and setting off a wild celebration at Charles Schwab Field.

The game was a back-and-forth battle. Arkansas struck first with a run in the fourth and built a 3–2 lead heading into the final innings. After LSU briefly tied it, the Razorbacks surged ahead with two more in the top of the ninth, appearing to regain control. But the Tigers weren’t done. With their season on the line, LSU’s hitters showed poise under pressure and a championship-level refusal to fold.

On the mound, LSU’s Zac Cowan pitched 5⅓ solid innings, keeping the game within reach. Arkansas starter Landon Beidelschies was dominant through five innings, recording nine strikeouts, but the Razorbacks’ bullpen could not hold up against LSU’s relentless late-game offense.

This win propels LSU into the College World Series championship series, where they’ll face Coastal Carolina beginning Saturday night at 7 p.m. Central Time. Coastal Carolina, winners of their bracket, will be a formidable opponent, but the Tigers enter the series with serious momentum and emotional firepower.

LSU previously defeated Arkansas 4–1 earlier in the tournament behind a stellar performance from Kade Anderson, who threw seven scoreless innings. Arkansas responded with a no-hitter in their elimination game, setting up the high-stakes rematch that LSU ultimately won in walk-off fashion. The Tigers are now seeking their eighth national championship and second title in three years.

Following the game, LSU head coach Jay Johnson praised his team’s resilience and mental toughness. “I’m really proud of our players — the mindset, how we responded after giving up runs, handling weather delays, night games… that’s what this tournament is about,” Johnson said. Jared Jones, the game’s hero, emotionally embraced his parents in the stands following the walk-off, a moment that perfectly captured the weight and thrill of LSU’s hard-fought victory.

Now, with Arkansas eliminated and their spot in the finals secured, LSU turns its full attention to Coastal Carolina. Behind their deep pitching staff, clutch bats, and championship pedigree, the Tigers look to bring another title back to Baton Rouge.

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