UCLA vs. LSU Prediction & Top Bets (June 16, 2025) – Men’s College World Series
UCLA and LSU will meet tomorrow night in Game 7 of bracket play at the Men’s College World Series. The first pitch is set to be thrown at 7:00 pm ET at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, and you can watch it on ESPN and ESPN+.
The winner advances in the winner’s bracket, and the loser goes into a must-win Game 11. LSU has more postseason experience, but UCLA’s been on point during the tournament and hasn’t buckled. This one will be a close game between two teams that are capable of making a run for the title!
Keep scrolling to see all you need to know about the game, including the latest betting odds, and our picks for the best bets.
Game Details
- Matchup: UCLA Bruins vs. LSU Tigers
- Date & Time: Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha
- Broadcast: ESPN national broadcast
- Format: Game 8 – Winner’s Bracket matchup in Bracket 2 of the Men’s College World Series
Why This Match Matters
This is the first game of the tournament that has elimination stakes! The winner will stay in control of the bracket, and the loser goes into a do-or-die Game 11.
LSU comes with a solid postseason resume and seven national titles, which is more than any other team that’s left. UCLA is making its first Omaha appearance since 2013; they won the Big Ten and have started the College World Series with six straight wins.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
UCLA has built its game around pitching and control. LSU’s been more aggressive with power and tempo. What does each one bring into Game 7? Look below for a team comparison!
UCLA Bruins
- Record: 48–16 overall, Big Ten champions
- Tournament Run: Six consecutive wins, including a 6–2 win over Murray State in bracket play
- Starting Pitching: Ian May (8–3) picked up the opener and has kept hitters off balance with good command and pitch mix
- Bullpen: Easton Hawk has closed games well, staying in the zone and limiting hard contact
- Lineup: Production spread across the order; no single bat is carrying the load
- Strengths: Good plate discipline, steady bullpen work, and consistent situational hitting
- Vulnerabilities: Limited exposure to high-velocity SEC pitching; pressure situations at this level are new for most of the roster
LSU Tigers
- Record: 49–15; last year’s national champs
- Tournament History: Seven-time College World Series winners, including 2023
- Rotation Depth: Kade Anderson (11–1) anchors the staff; the rest of the rotation is set and rested
- Offense: Jared Jones has been the go-to bat with 20 homers and 70 RBIs; plenty of power throughout the order
- Strengths: Pitching staff has front-line stuff and experience in high-leverage games; the offense can change a game with one swing
- Concerns: ERA sits at 3.80, which is a respectable number, but they’ve shown some command lapses in certain spots; bullpen usage could get tested if starters don’t make it to later innings
Game Flow & Key Matchups
This projects as a tight game with limited scoring chances. Execution on the mound and in the box will decide it!
Starting Pitching
UCLA is expected to go with Ian May, who handled his last start with composure and has kept hitters off balance and off base. LSU lines up with ace Kade Anderson (11–1), who’s been good all season and hasn’t walked a lot of players. Early pitch efficiency will matter; neither team wants to go to its bullpen too soon.
Bullpen Usage
UCLA has gotten steady work from Easton Hawk and hasn’t needed long relief. LSU’s middle relievers haven’t logged that many innings in Omaha, but this could change if Anderson gets into trouble. The team that gets cleaner outs in the sixth and seventh will probably take control.
Offensive Contrast
LSU has more home run power, and it’s led by Jared Jones and Tommy White. UCLA spreads its offense around with singles, walks, hit-and-run looks, and aggressive baserunning. If the long ball isn’t there? LSU might have to manufacture more than usual.
Experience vs. Urgency
LSU has a lot of postseason familiarity, so they know what it feels like. UCLA hasn’t played in Omaha since 2013, but its energy and execution haven’t slipped. They’ve played good baseball and handled scoreboard pressure really well.
Betting Outlook & Odds
If you’re betting on this NCAA matchup, here are the latest odds that are up on FanDuel:
| Team | Run Line | Moneyline | Total Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
UCLA | +2.5 (-144) | +200 | Over 9.5 (-112) |
LSU | -2.5 (+110) | -265 | Under 9.5 (-112) |
CWS Futures
- LSU: +225 to WIN it all (30.8% implied probability)
- UCLA: +900 (10.0%)
Props to Consider
- Total College World Series runs: Forecasts are leaning under in games with top-end starters and strong bullpen scenarios, which is based on how the bracket has played out so far.
- Jared Jones Anytime Home Run: A strong bet, as he leads the team with 20 homers and 70 RBIs!
Best Bets for UCLA vs. LSU
This game has two really strong starters, experienced bullpens, and postseason-tested lineups. Our best bets include three picks and a prop!
| Bet | Pick | Rationale | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
Moneyline | LSU to Win (–120) | LSU’s rotation is deeper, and Anderson (11–1, sub-3.00 ERA) gives them a clear edge. They just handled Arkansas and brought real postseason polish. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) |
Total Runs | Under 9.5 Runs (–105) | Two capable starters and rested bullpens point toward a lower-scoring game. Run-scoring should be limited unless mistakes compound in the early innings. | ⭐⭐⭐ (7/10) |
Player Prop | Jared Jones to Record an RBI | Jones leads LSU in RBIs and continues to produce with runners on. If LSU strings together baserunners, he’s a strong bet to drive someone in. | ⭐⭐⭐ (6.5/10) |
Team Total | UCLA Under 4.5 Runs | LSU has held opponents under 4 runs in 5 of their last 6. With Anderson starting and bullpen arms available, UCLA may not have many clean chances. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10) |
Prediction & Closing Thoughts: UCLA vs. LSU
This is a critical spot in the bracket. Why? Because the winner will be one step closer to the finals. And the loser drops into an elimination game without a chance to rest and not a lot of room to manage arms.
The matchup tracks as a pitcher’s game. Ian May and Kade Anderson are both capable of going six-plus innings, and neither team has been giving up easy runs. Offense will probably come down to which lineup manages to get an extra-base hit or capitalizes on a defensive mistake.
LSU has the advantage in tournament experience and rotation depth, and the total looks like it stays under, so there’s solid value in targeted props like a Jared Jones RBI or UCLA team total under 4.5!
Don’t forget to check sportsbooks for updates as the elimination bracket changes and to confirm starting pitchers!
Final Score Prediction: LSU 4, UCLA 2
May and Anderson should keep it close during the early frames. LSU has the advantage if they get into UCLA’s bullpen; Jones or White are the most likely to bring in runs.
If the outcome shifts? It’ll happen in the seventh or eighth inning, when LSU matches up against arms that don’t have the same control or pitch repertoire.
Looking to place a bet on this pivotal MCWS game but not sure where to get started? Check out our recommendations for the most trusted online betting sites to find competitive odds and quick payouts.
