The LSU Tigers baseball program continues to add to its storied legacy, and their latest triumph came in the form of a resilient 9-5 victory over the UCLA Bruins in a weather-delayed showdown that tested patience, composure, and depth. With the win, LSU advanced to the College World Series bracket final, putting them just one step away from a chance to compete for yet another national title.
The matchup, originally scheduled to begin the evening before, was plagued by severe weather that forced multiple delays, disrupting both teams’ routines and stretching the game’s start into the following day. Despite the uncertainty and momentum-halting interruptions, the Tigers came out focused, poised, and ready to deliver a performance that lived up to their championship pedigree.
From the outset, LSU showed why they’ve been one of the most formidable programs in the NCAA baseball landscape. Head coach Jay Johnson, who has steadily built a team capable of thriving under pressure, prepared his squad to remain mentally locked in despite the stop-and-start nature of the contest. That focus was apparent from the first pitch, as the Tigers jumped on UCLA starter Jacob Moore early, plating two runs in the top of the first.
It was a tone-setting inning for LSU. Leadoff hitter Josh Pearson worked a full count before lacing a double to right-center, giving the Tigers immediate baserunner pressure. After a sacrifice bunt moved Pearson to third, All-American Tommy White stepped to the plate and drove a fastball deep into left field, bringing in the first run. Dylan Crews, another key contributor, followed with a line-drive single to make it 2-0 before UCLA could catch its breath.
UCLA, to its credit, didn’t wilt under pressure. The Bruins have been one of the most consistent teams out of the Pac-12 this season, and their offense came alive in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer by third baseman Ethan Gentry. The blast momentarily shifted momentum, leveling the score and reminding LSU that the Bruins wouldn’t go down without a fight.
But it was the Tigers’ ability to respond to adversity that truly defined the game.
In the top of the third, LSU regained the lead with a three-run outburst. Gavin Dugas started things off with a walk, and after a fielder’s choice and a bloop single by Brayden Jobert, LSU had runners at the corners. Jordan Thompson then delivered the biggest hit of the frame—a towering double to left that scored both runners. Pearson capped the inning with an RBI single, pushing the Tigers back ahead, 5-2.
From there, LSU never trailed again. While UCLA chipped away with solo runs in the fourth and sixth innings, the Tigers’ offense kept answering. In the fifth, it was Crews again, working a walk, stealing second, and scoring on a clutch hit by Cade Beloso. The sixth saw a sacrifice fly by Tre’ Morgan bring home another run, and by the time the seventh inning rolled around, LSU led 8-4.
Pitching was another area where LSU demonstrated its depth and adaptability. The Tigers initially sent left-hander Javen Coleman to the mound, who delivered three strong innings before giving way to a bullpen that bent but never broke. Gavin Guidry, Griffin Herring, and Riley Cooper all contributed crucial innings, combining to hold UCLA’s potent lineup in check during the middle and late stages.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of LSU’s win was the way they handled the prolonged weather delay. The original first pitch was scheduled for 6:00 p.m., but the game didn’t begin until nearly 10:30 due to lightning in the area and heavy rain. Both teams were forced to remain in their hotels and dugouts for hours, unsure of when — or if — the game would be played. But once the umpires gave the all-clear, LSU came out sharp and aggressive, showing mental toughness that often makes the difference in postseason play.
LSU’s lineup continues to be one of the most balanced in the country. While stars like White and Crews draw the headlines, this win was a full-team effort. Eight different Tigers recorded at least one hit, and six players registered an RBI. That kind of production from top to bottom makes LSU difficult to pitch around, especially when opposing hurlers are constantly under pressure.
UCLA tried to mount a late comeback in the eighth inning, putting two runners on base with no outs, but Cooper induced a double-play ball to escape the jam with only minimal damage. The Tigers tacked on one more insurance run in the ninth, courtesy of a Thompson single and a double by Pearson, who ended the night 3-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
As the final out was recorded—a fly ball caught in deep center field by Crews—LSU players poured out of the dugout in celebration. The win sends them into the bracket final with momentum, confidence, and a chance to rest while their future opponent must battle through the losers’ bracket.
Coach Johnson praised his players for their mental toughness and readiness in a postgame press conference. “This team has faced a lot this season,” Johnson said. “Injuries, adversity, long nights like this one. But they always show up ready to play, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they performed tonight.”
He also emphasized the importance of veteran leadership. “Guys like Tommy, Dylan, and Jordan—these are players who’ve been through the wars. They know how to stay calm, how to lift up their teammates, and how to get the job done when the pressure is highest.”
With the victory, LSU improved its postseason record to 6-1 and stands just one win away from the College World Series championship series. The Tigers’ blend of power hitting, smart baserunning, dependable pitching, and seasoned leadership has them positioned as one of the favorites to claim the national title in Omaha.
For UCLA, the loss marked the end of a valiant postseason run. The Bruins had defied expectations with a late surge in regional play and were hoping to make their first College World Series final appearance since 2013. Despite the defeat, head coach John Savage remained optimistic about the future. “We’re building something here,” he said. “And we’ll be back. I’m proud of these guys and the way they fought.”
The Tigers, meanwhile, turn their focus to the upcoming bracket final. The extra rest will allow their pitching staff to reset, with ace Paul Skenes likely available if needed. Having already faced tough tests throughout the season in the SEC, LSU now enters the most critical phase of its journey with battle-hardened confidence.
Beyond the box score, this win reinforces LSU’s reputation as a powerhouse program that rises to the occasion when the stakes are highest. The Tigers have long been a force in Omaha, with six national titles to their name and numerous deep postseason runs. This year’s team has the tools to add to that history, and if they continue playing like they did against UCLA, they’ll be difficult to stop.
Baseball in June is as much about resilience as it is about talent. The Tigers proved once again they have both in spades. From weather delays to big-game pressure, LSU showed they can handle whatever the postseason throws their way.
Now, just one step remains before the College World Series finals. If the Tigers can maintain this level of play, another championship banner could soon be headed to Baton Rouge.
