Arkansas vs. LSU Prediction & Top Bets (June 18, 2025) – MCWS
Two of the SEC’s best meet in Omaha tonight with a Bracket 2 final berth up for grabs. Arkansas and LSU both notched 50+ wins this season and are playing an elimination game at the Men’s College World Series. Florida is waiting for one of them in the bracket final, so this one has big postseason consequences for two rosters that are teeming with MLB-caliber talent.
Arkansas is coming off a 19-strikeout no-hitter by Gage Wood, one of the best performances ever at the CWS. The Razorbacks couldn’t generate enough run support in their earlier 4–1 loss to LSU, but Wood’s insane showing kept their season going and gave the bullpen a full day off.
LSU has looked better and better with each game. They’ve bounced back with two straight wins, a balanced 6–3 effort with good defense and productive at-bats up and down the lineup. All they need is one more solid outing to keep their run going!
We’ve got all you need to know about tonight’s game! Keep scrolling for a breakdown, the latest betting odds, and our picks for the best bets!
Game Overview
- Matchup: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. LSU Tigers
- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18, 7:00 pm ET
- Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha
- Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
What’s on the Line
- Double-elimination format: Arkansas faces elimination; LSU would force a Thursday rematch with a loss.
- Arkansas (50–14) is coming off a 6–0 loss and trying to regroup.
- LSU (50–15) has won two in a row and will stay in the bracket, win or lose.
Recent Form & Storylines
Arkansas and LSU are both sitting on 50-win seasons, but how they got to Omaha is not the same.
Arkansas
- Followed a tough opening loss with a combined no-hitter (Gage Wood struck out 19), then knocked out UCLA.
- Offense still dangerous, powered by All-SEC bats Wehiwa Aloy and Charles Davalan.
LSU
- Back-to-back wins, with Anderson and Holman giving quality innings.
- Several holdovers from last year’s title team are helping anchor the run once again.
Head-to-Head Advantage
- Arkansas leads in team batting average and limits any free passes at the plate and on the mound.
- LSU racks up strikeouts and has postseason-tested depth throughout the roster.
- Starting pitchers Zach Root and Kade Anderson are expected to go head-to-head—both have gone at least five innings in recent outings without surrendering any big innings.
Betting Lines
Here are the latest odds and lines via ESPN BET if you’re betting on this one:
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
Arkansas | -1.5 (+110) | -130 | Over 10.5 (-120) |
LSU | +1.5 (-155) | -105 | Under 10.5 (-115) |
Best Bets
We’ve looked at it all, and below are what we think are the three best bets!
1. Arkansas –130 | Our Confidence Level: Medium–High
Arkansas comes in with back-to-back wins, including a no-hitter and a 6–3 win over UCLA, where they controlled the game from beginning to end. Zach Root is expected to start and has held top offenses to minimal scoring chances throughout the postseason. LSU’s Kade Anderson can be really hard to bat against, but Arkansas has faced stronger rotations and found ways to score.
- Watch for — LSU brings postseason experience and a reliable bullpen, but the Razorbacks have been better across the board.
2. Under 10.5 Total Runs | Our Confidence Level: High
Two strikeout-heavy starters, a ballpark that suppresses home runs, and an elimination setting where runs are slow to come in? This total feels a little bit high. Arkansas has given up only 3 runs in its last two games. LSU’s recent wins (4–2, 3–1) also fit the under trend.
- Bonus Angle — First 5 Innings Under 5.5: Both starters have done really well early, holding lineups in check and preventing any extended rallies in the opening frames.
3. Arkansas Team Total Over 5.5 Runs | Our Confidence Level: Medium
The Razorbacks have hit 6 or more in five of their last six games and have done it against quality SEC pitching. Their approach is patient, with good batting decisions and solid results when runners do get on. Anderson has had trouble putting hitters away in the first few frames—Arkansas has the kind of lineup that’ll foul off pitches, wait for something to drive, and get him working from behind in the count.
- Watch For: If the wind’s pushing out at Charles Schwab, that ball carries! It’s worth checking conditions before betting the over on Arkansas’s team total.
Closing Prediction: Razorbacks or Tigers?
Final Score Prediction: Arkansas 5 – LSU 3
Arkansas has been the better team on the mound and the more productive with runners on base in their last two games. LSU does have the big-game pedigree, but their pitching hasn’t always been able to contain lineups that work counts and take advantage of mistakes.
We’re siding with Arkansas based on their recent performance; fewer walk issues, better execution in scoring spots, and a better defense. The under 10.5 is the smartest angle; both starting pitchers are capable of controlling contact and limiting extra-base hits!
We think the game will be close into the later innings, but the Razorbacks are better equipped to hold leads and finish without giving up big innings.
