LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins: College World Series Showdown Preview
Jay Johnson and the LSU Tigers are set to face off against the UCLA Bruins in a highly anticipated College World Series game at Charles Schwab Field on Monday night. The Tigers are coming off a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, while UCLA also secured a win in their opening game against Murray State. This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams vie for a spot in the College World Series semifinals.
Game Details
- Teams: LSU Tigers vs. UCLA Bruins
- Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
- Rankings: LSU - No. 6 National Seed, UCLA - No. 15 National Seed
Broadcast Information
- Television: ESPN
Series History
LSU holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series against UCLA. The last meeting between the two teams was in the opening round of the 2013 College World Series, where UCLA emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. LSU swept two games from the Bruins to win the 2000 NCAA Super Regional at the original Alex Box Stadium. The first meeting between the schools occurred in 1988, when the Tigers posted a 7-1 win over UCLA in the Busch Challenge at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La.
Pitching Matchup
- LSU: Jr. RH Anthony Eyanson (11-2, 2.74 ERA, 98.2 IP, 35 BB, 142 SO)
- UCLA: So. RH Landon Stump (6-1, 4.54 ERA, 73.1 IP, 37 BB, 62 SO)
Anthony Eyanson: LSU's Ace on the Mound
LSU will rely on junior right-hander Anthony Eyanson to lead the Tigers on the mound against UCLA. Eyanson, a semifinalist for the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Year Award, has had an outstanding season. He is No. 3 in the nation in strikeouts with 142, and he is No. 9 in the nation in strikeouts per nine innings (12.95). In the SEC, he is No. 3 in ERA (2.74), No. 1 in wins (11), No. 3 in strikeouts (135), No. 2 in innings pitched (98.2) and No. 7 in opponent batting average (.211).
Landon Stump: UCLA's Talented Right-Hander
UCLA will counter with sophomore right-hander Landon Stump. Stump has a 6-1 record with a 4.54 ERA in 73.1 innings pitched. He has recorded 62 strikeouts and 37 walks.
LSU Tigers Overview
LSU enters the game with a 49-15 overall record and is the No. 6 National Seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 in the nation by Baseball America and No. 3 by D1 Baseball and USA Today in their most recent polls. LSU posted a 19-11 SEC regular-season record and finished in third place in the conference standings.
Read also: Classic Pac-12 Showdown
Key Players
- Jared Jones: Junior first baseman, a semifinalist for the 2025 Dick Howser Trophy, has 62 career home runs, placing him third on LSU's all-time list.
- Kade Anderson: Sophomore left-hander, a 2025 Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy semifinalist, is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts this season with 170.
- Derek Curiel: Freshman outfielder, No. 1 in the SEC in doubles (19), No. 3 in the league in walks (52), No. 3 in hits (84), No. 2 in on-base percentage (.477) and No. 10 in batting average (.347).
- Chris Stanfield: Junior centerfielder, recipient of the inaugural Tony Gwynn Trophy, is actively involved with the Miracle League.
- Daniel Dickinson: Junior second baseman, No. 8 in the SEC in on-base percentage (.460).
- Casan Evans: Freshman right-hander, one of 13 finalists for the NCBWA 2025 Stopper of the Year award, has a 1.86 ERA and seven saves.
Recent Performance
In their opening game of the 2025 College World Series, LSU defeated No. 3 National Seed Arkansas 4-1. Sophomore left-hander Kade Anderson pitched 7.0 innings, allowing one run on three hits with seven strikeouts. Freshman right-hander Casan Evans earned his seventh save of the season, and redshirt sophomore right-hander Chase Shores worked a scoreless eighth inning with two strikeouts.
Team Statistics
The LSU pitching staff is ranked in the Top 10 in the nation in three major statistical categories: No. 4 in strikeouts per nine innings (11.8), No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (7.27) and No. 9 in team ERA (3.77). LSU is No. 5 in the SEC in team batting average (.297), and the Tigers are No. 2 in the league in on-base percentage (.412), No. 2 in doubles (130), No. 3 in runs scored (515) and No. 3 in hits (633). The LSU pitching staff is No. 1 in the SEC in opponent batting average (.219), No. 2 in the league in strikeouts (720) and No. 3 in the SEC in team ERA (3.77).
UCLA Bruins Overview
UCLA defeated Murray State 6-4 in their CWS first-round game. The Bruins finished in a tie for first place with Oregon in the Big 10 regular-season standings with a 22-8 league mark. As the NCAA Tournament No. 15 National Seed, the Bruins captured regional and super regional titles in their home stadium. The Bruins won the 2013 College World Series title and are appearing in the CWS for the first time since the ’13 championship season.
Team Statistics
UCLA is hitting .298 as a team with 112 doubles, 12 triples, 78 homers and 62 steals in 80 attempts.
Key Players
- Roch Cholowsky: Big 10 Player of the Year, a shortstop batting .362 with 19 doubles, one triple, 23 homers and 74 RBI.
Quoting Coach Jay Johnson
“UCLA is a great team and has been one of the most consistent teams in the country this year. With the schedule that we play, we’ve actually seen some teams like them along the way. They play a really good brand of baseball and have some of the best players in the country. They have a very strong identity on offense, a style of play that they’re committed to. Our preparation and execution have been excellent throughout our time in Omaha, and the vibe of our team has been very good. Our players have a sense of who they need to be and when they need to be it. It’s all about execution, and execution is a direct reflection of your preparation and focus.”
Read also: Gridiron History: Iowa-UCLA
Keys to Victory
For LSU
- Pitching: Anthony Eyanson needs to set the tone early and deliver a strong performance on the mound. The LSU pitching staff must continue to excel in strikeouts and limiting hits.
- Defense: The infield play of Jared Jones, Steven Milam and Daniel Dickinson must be solid and provide a boost defensively.
- Hitting: Consistent hitting and timely at-bats from players like Steven Milam, Derek Curiel, Josh Pearson and Chris Stanfield will be crucial.
For UCLA
- Offense: The Bruins need to capitalize on their strong offensive identity and get production from key players like Roch Cholowsky.
- Pitching: Landon Stump needs to keep the LSU hitters in check and limit their scoring opportunities.
Read also: UCLA vs. Illinois: Basketball History
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