After a tense and thrilling start, the highly anticipated College World Series matchup between LSU and UCLA has been paused and rescheduled due to severe weather conditions in Omaha, Nebraska. Originally played on Monday evening at Charles Schwab Field, the game was halted after the third inning with LSU leading 5-3, and will now resume Tuesday morning at 10:03 a.m. local time, according to College World Series officials.
The interruption came as a surprise to fans and players alike, following a dynamic and intense opening frame that saw both teams showcase their offensive firepower. UCLA jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, scoring three consecutive runs in the top of the first inning. Roman Martin sparked the Bruins’ offense with an RBI double to left field, followed by an RBI single from AJ Salgado. Payton Brennan then contributed by grounding out to the pitcher, which was enough to bring Martin home and extend UCLA’s lead.
Before the inning concluded, LSU answered with a powerful response. Junior first baseman Jared Jones launched a three-run homer off UCLA starter Landon Stump, a 368-foot blast that flipped the scoreboard to a 4-3 lead in favor of the Tigers. This home run was a pivotal moment early in the game, signaling LSU’s resilience and determination.
LSU’s rally continued as senior catcher Luis Hernandez delivered an RBI single in the third inning, doubling LSU’s advantage to 5-3. Hernandez’s hit came with runners on first and second and two outs, driving home Ethan Frey from second base. The Tigers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, supported by solid pitching from junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson, who had thrown 44 pitches before the delay.
Despite UCLA’s strong start, their pitcher Landon Stump struggled to contain LSU’s hitters. After walking the first two batters in the bottom of the third inning, Stump was pulled from the game and replaced by left-hander Chris Grothues. Stump’s night ended with four hits allowed, two walks, no strikeouts, and four earned runs. Meanwhile, UCLA failed to get a runner on base in the third inning, going down in order.
The game was paused due to a severe thunderstorm watch in Omaha that lasted until midnight Monday, with the grounds crew bringing out the tarp before UCLA could mount a response. The rain delay lasted nearly three hours, and with continued thunderstorms forecasted, the NCAA made the decision to suspend the game until Tuesday morning. The resumption time was confirmed as 10:03 a.m. local time (11 a.m. ET), allowing both teams to regroup overnight.
This matchup is a critical step in the 2025 College World Series, featuring two of the highest-ranked teams in the tournament. No. 6 LSU and No. 15 UCLA both entered the series with momentum, having won their opening games on June 14. LSU defeated No. 3 Arkansas 4-1, powered by a three-run second inning and a stellar pitching performance from Kade Anderson, who struck out seven batters over seven innings. UCLA, meanwhile, overcame Murray State 6-4, with AJ Salgado and Roman Martin each driving in two runs.
The rivalry between LSU and UCLA adds extra spice to this encounter, with the two programs having met five times previously. LSU holds a narrow 3-2 series advantage, and the last meeting came in the 2013 College World Series, where UCLA upset LSU 2-1 en route to their first national championship. Both teams are now vying to take a significant step toward the championship series, making this game a must-watch for college baseball fans.
The game is scheduled to be broadcast live on ESPN, with commentators Karl Ravech, Eduardo Pérez, and Kyle Peterson providing play-by-play and analysis, while Kris Budden reports from the sidelines. Fans holding tickets from Monday’s game have been advised to retain them for re-entry on Tuesday at no additional cost, as per NCAA policies. However, refunds are not available due to the rescheduling.
As the game resumes, UCLA will have the opportunity to rally from a two-run deficit, with Payton Brennan set to lead off the top of the fourth inning. LSU’s pitching staff will need to decide who will take the mound, as junior Anthony Eyanson had already thrown 44 pitches before the delay. The Tigers have demonstrated offensive depth and pitching strength throughout the series, but UCLA’s early scoring and past tournament success make this an unpredictable contest.
With the weather delay pushing the game into Tuesday morning, the rest of the College World Series schedule will adjust accordingly. The NCAA has confirmed that other games scheduled for Wednesday will be moved back to accommodate the resumption of this critical matchup. The double-elimination tournament continues through June 18 or 19, leading up to the best-of-three championship series set for June 21 to 23.
Both teams have shown why they are among the elite in college baseball this season. LSU’s junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson entered the game with an impressive 11-2 record, a 2.74 ERA, 142 strikeouts, and only 35 walks. UCLA’s starter Landon Stump came in with a solid 6-1 record, a 4.54 ERA, 62 strikeouts, and 37 walks. These pitching matchups, combined with the offensive firepower from players like Jared Jones, Luis Hernandez, AJ Salgado, and Roman Martin, have made this game a showcase of talent and competitive spirit.
As the teams prepare to resume play, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a memorable conclusion to a rain-interrupted game. With both LSU and UCLA fighting for a chance to advance closer to the national championship, every at-bat and pitch will carry immense weight. College baseball fans will be glued to their screens Tuesday morning as the Tigers and Bruins pick up the action, continuing a classic rivalry in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
