Razorbacks Take Early Lead Against Tigers in CWS Semifinals

OMAHA, Nebraska — Arkansas Razorbacks lead LSU Tigers 1-0 in the College World Series semifinals on June 18, 2025. The game’s intensity escalated as Arkansas pitcher Landon Beidelschies dominated with nine strikeouts through five innings.

Beidelschies gave up only two hits, showcasing his skills on the mound. He struck out two more batters in the fifth inning, maintaining Arkansas’s slim lead. ‘He’s been tremendous,’ said a Razorbacks fan. ‘We needed him to step up tonight.’

On the other side, LSU pitcher Zac Cowan battled through a tough game, allowing three hits and striking out five. Despite his strong performance, Cowan’s one mistake came in the fourth when Arkansas catcher Ryder Helfrick hit a first-pitch home run to center field, giving Arkansas its only run so far. ‘I just put a good swing on it,’ Helfrick said. ‘I wanted to help my team any way I could.’

As both teams fought for a spot in the championship series, the stakes were high. Arkansas was under pressure, needing to defeat LSU twice to advance. The Razorbacks had suffered a 4-1 loss to the Tigers in their opener.

The Razorbacks had a solid start, with both teams struggling to score in the early innings. Beidelschies struck out the side in the third, further establishing his dominance. Cowan followed suit, recording a 1-2-3 inning in the third.

With the tension rising, the fans at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha witnessed a thrilling display of pitching and occasional bursts of offense. The game continued to unfold as both teams vied for victory.

As the fifth inning approached, the question remained: would the Tigers’ offense awaken to challenge the Razorbacks’ lead, or could Beidelschies maintain his impressive form?