The Arkansas Razorbacks’ College World Series curse struck them again on Wednesday night.
Entering the 2025 CWS, the Razorbacks were tied with the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina Tar Heels for the tournament’s most appearances (12) without a title. Arkansas fans will have to keep waiting for a championship after it blew a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning against the LSU Tigers in the semifinal.
With one out, Arkansas first baseman Reese Robinett missed a throw at first base, which allowed LSU outfielder Derek Curiel to reach second base after an infield single. Arkansas relief pitcher Cole Gibler subsequently walked LSU outfielder Ethan Frey.
The Razorbacks would get their second out when LSU infielder Steven Milam grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop. The Tigers would respond, though.
On the following at-bat, LSU utility man Luis Hernandez doubled to left field, driving in Frey and Milam, tying the game at 5-5. Afterward, Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn replaced Gibler with pitcher Aiden Jimenez.
The pitching change didn’t work. LSU first baseman Jared Jones singled to center, sealing the 6-5 win for the Tigers. LSU (51-15) will face the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (56-11) in Game 1 of a best-of-three series on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Since 2008, Arkansas has made eight College World Series. This stretch has included some heartbreaking losses for the program.
In Game 2 of the 2018 College World Series Finals against the Oregon State Beavers, three Arkansas fielders missed a routine pop-up, with the Razorbacks leading 3-2 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Arkansas lost the game 5-3 and would fall to the Beavers in Game 3.
Like that loss, Wednesday night’s meltdown should sting for Razorback fans for a long time.
