Omaha, Nebraska will see its first team eliminated and another secure a coveted spot in the semifinals on Day 3 of the 2025 Men's College World Series. The action kicks off with an afternoon matchup followed by a primetime showdown.
At 1:00 p.m. CT (ESPN), Louisville clashes with Arizona in an elimination game. Both squads are looking to rebound from opening-round losses. Arizona fell to Coastal Carolina after a late-inning rally, while Louisville suffered a heartbreaking walk-off defeat against Oregon State. The winner will advance to face the loser of the evening game for a chance to reach the semifinals on June 17th.
The nightcap (6:00 p.m. CT, ESPN) features Coastal Carolina battling Oregon State for a direct path to the semifinals. The victor earns a well-deserved break until June 18th, while the defeated team must navigate a challenging path through the loser's bracket, facing the winner of the Louisville-Arizona contest.
Here are our game-by-game predictions:
Louisville vs. Arizona: Prediction – Louisville 5, Arizona 1
Louisville's usually potent offense struggled to find its rhythm against Oregon State, but expect a bounce-back performance. Their success hinges on the performance of pitchers beyond Patrick Forbes, who must replicate their strong postseason form to counter Arizona's formidable bullpen. Look for Louisville's aggressive style to be a key factor.
Coastal Carolina vs. Oregon State: Prediction – Coastal Carolina 2, Oregon State 1
Coastal Carolina possesses a significant advantage with the presence of Jacob Morrison, the Sun Belt's pitcher of the year, on the mound. While Oregon State boasts a stronger offense and excels at drawing walks, Morrison and the Chanticleers' pitching staff are known for their exceptional control and ability to limit free passes. This could be the deciding factor in a tight, low-scoring affair.