LSU 9-5 UCLA: The 16-Hour CWS Epic That Launched The Tigers To The Semifinals

The LSU Tigers and the UCLA Bruins faced off in one of the most memorable and drawn-out contests of the 2025 College World Series (CWS), a game that tested the endurance and focus of both elite programs. As of today, December 17, 2025, the final score of LSU 9, UCLA 5 stands as the most recent, high-stakes clash between these two college baseball powerhouses, a victory that propelled the Tigers deep into the tournament bracket and cemented a dramatic chapter in their storied rivalry. This winner's bracket showdown was not just a nine-inning affair; it was an epic that spanned over 16 hours, making it an instant classic in Omaha baseball lore.

The highly anticipated matchup between the No. 6-seeded LSU Tigers and the No. 15-seeded UCLA Bruins was a pivotal moment in the CWS, determining which team would take a massive step toward the national championship series. The Tigers' offense, led by a breakout performance from their first baseman, proved too much for the Bruins' pitching staff over the two-day ordeal, ultimately securing the crucial 9-5 win at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

The 16-Hour Saga: Breakdown of the CWS Winner's Bracket Game

The contest, officially played on Monday, June 16, 2025, and Tuesday, June 17, 2025, was one of the most bizarre and challenging games in recent CWS history. What started as a standard evening game quickly devolved into a marathon of delays, primarily due to severe weather that swept through Omaha, Nebraska. The initial first pitch was thrown, but the game was suspended for over 16 hours, forcing both teams to reset their strategies and mentalities for an unusual mid-day resumption.

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The score was tight before the delay, but the Tigers came out firing once play resumed. LSU’s ability to maintain focus and execute their game plan after such a significant interruption was a testament to the coaching staff, led by head coach Jay Johnson, and the mental toughness of the players. The win meant LSU remained undefeated in the CWS bracket, needing only one more victory to advance to the College World Series Championship Series.

Key Offensive and Pitching Performances for LSU

LSU’s victory was a total team effort, but two players stood out as the primary architects of the 9-5 final score. The offensive charge was spearheaded by first baseman Jared Jones. Jones had a phenomenal day at the plate, driving in four crucial runs for the Tigers. His performance was a major factor in breaking the game open and establishing a lead that the Bruins could not overcome. This clutch hitting in the CWS is the kind of performance that defines a championship run.

On the mound, right-hander Casan Evans delivered a strong performance that stabilized the game for LSU following the weather interruption. Evans pitched 4.1 innings, effectively shutting down the potent UCLA lineup and allowing the offense to build their lead. His ability to pitch deep into the game and manage the Bruins' bats was invaluable. Other key contributors to the 2025 team included pitchers like Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, who provided a strong one-two punch throughout the tournament.

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UCLA’s Effort and Star Player Spotlight

Despite the loss, the No. 15-seeded UCLA Bruins, under the guidance of head coach John Savage, showed resilience and flashes of brilliance. The Bruins were a formidable opponent throughout the 2025 season, and their presence in the CWS winner's bracket was well-earned. The 9-5 setback was their first loss of the postseason, but it did not eliminate them from the tournament, sending them to the elimination bracket.

The Bruins’ roster featured several high-impact players, including sophomore shortstop Roch Cholowsky. Cholowsky was one of the nation's top players in 2025, earning national attention with a stellar season that included a high batting average, numerous home runs, and RBIs. He is widely regarded as a potential top pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, and his presence on the field provided a continuous threat to the LSU pitching staff. Other key players for the Bruins included Cody Delvecchio, Rex Solle, and pitchers like Ian May.

The long delay undoubtedly impacted the rhythm and pitching rotation for both teams, adding a layer of unpredictable complexity to the high-stakes baseball environment. For the Bruins, managing the pitching staff across the two days proved to be one of the biggest challenges against the relentless LSU offense. This is a common theme in College World Series baseball, where weather can play as much of a role as the players themselves.

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The All-Time LSU vs. UCLA Baseball Rivalry

The LSU vs. UCLA baseball rivalry, though not played annually, always carries significant weight when the two teams meet, especially in the postseason. The 2025 CWS game added another thrilling chapter to this limited, yet intense, series. The all-time record between the two programs is now a tight 3-2 in favor of the LSU Tigers following the 9-5 victory in Omaha.

Prior to the 2025 CWS matchup, one of the most notable meetings occurred in the 2013 College World Series. In that instance, the Bruins managed a close 2-1 victory over the Tigers. These meetings are rare, making each one a must-watch event for fans of college baseball. The limited history ensures that when the Tigers and Bruins face off, it is usually on the biggest stage, like the NCAA Regional, Super Regional, or the CWS itself.

The rivalry is a classic SEC vs. Pac-12 (soon-to-be Big Ten) showdown, pitting two of college baseball’s most historic and successful programs against each other. Both teams consistently recruit top-tier talent, including future MLB Draft prospects, ensuring a high level of competition every time they meet. The 2025 LSU Tigers were a powerhouse team, featuring a deep roster with players like Chris Stanfield, Josh Pearson, and Ethan Frey, all contributing to the team's overall success and deep run in the CWS.

What the 9-5 Score Meant for the 2025 Postseason

The 9-5 score was more than just a single game result; it was a statement win that had major implications for the rest of the 2025 College World Series. For LSU, the win meant they were 2-0 in the tournament and stood just one victory away from the CWS Championship Series, a massive advantage in the double-elimination format. It allowed their pitching staff to be better rested and strategically aligned for the upcoming games.

For UCLA, the loss meant they had to fight their way through the elimination bracket, facing the pressure of a single loss ending their season. While the Bruins are known for their grit and ability to bounce back, having to play extra games against elimination-minded opponents is a significant physical and mental toll. The dramatic nature of the 16-hour game, with its start-and-stop momentum, will be a score—LSU 9, UCLA 5—that both fan bases remember for years to come as a definitive moment of the 2025 postseason. The performance of players like Jared Jones and the resilience of the Tigers in Omaha ultimately defined the winner of this epic duel.