The road to a national championship begins Friday at Charles Schwab Field as the 2025 College World Series kicks off with two compelling matchups. Four teams will take the field in Omaha, each looking to gain early momentum in the double-elimination bracket. Here’s a breakdown of the Day 1 games and expert predictions for who starts their CWS journey with a win.
Game 1: Arizona vs. Coastal Carolina (2 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Pitching Duel in Omaha
This matchup features two of the tournament’s best pitching staffs, making runs likely at a premium.
- Arizona Wildcats
- Team ERA: 3.45 (5th in NCAA)
- Batting Avg: .278 (87th in NCAA)
- Key Pitcher: RHP Jackson Kent (2.89 ERA, 112 Ks)
- Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
- Team ERA: 3.12 (2nd in NCAA)
- Batting Avg: .265 (142nd in NCAA)
- Key Pitcher: LHP Jacob Morrison (2.54 ERA, 98 Ks)
Prediction: In a battle of elite arms, Coastal Carolina’s slightly deeper rotation and bullpen give them the edge. Expect a low-scoring affair decided by one clutch hit.
Pick: Coastal Carolina 3, Arizona 1
Game 2: Louisville vs. Oregon State (7 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Contrasting Styles Collide
The nightcap presents a fascinating clash between Oregon State’s power-hitting lineup and Louisville’s aggressive small-ball approach.
- Oregon State Beavers
- Home Runs: 112 (3rd in NCAA)
- Walks Drawn: 342 (1st in NCAA)
- Weakness: Defense (.964 fielding %, 102nd in NCAA)
- Louisville Cardinals
- Stolen Bases: 148 (2nd in NCAA)
- Strikeout Rate: 16.2% (5th-lowest in NCAA)
- Strength: Speed and contact hitting
Prediction: Louisville’s ability to put pressure on Oregon State’s shaky defense with steals and situational hitting could be the difference.
Pick: Louisville 5, Oregon State 4
Key Storylines to Watch
- Can Anyone Score? – Arizona and Coastal Carolina’s matchup may come down to which team blinks first on the mound.
- Small Ball vs. The Long Ball – Louisville’s aggressive baserunning could disrupt Oregon State’s power-heavy approach.
- Bullpen Management – With temperatures in the high 80s, pitching depth will be tested early.
How to Watch
📅 Date: Friday, June 13
⏰ Game 1: 2 p.m. ET (ESPN)
⏰ Game 2: 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
📡 Streaming: ESPN App, Fubo
Looking Ahead
The winners advance in the winner’s bracket, while the losers face an elimination game. With both matchups offering contrasting styles, Day 1 sets the stage for what should be a thrilling College World Series.
Final Picks:
- Coastal Carolina over Arizona
- Louisville over Oregon State
Who do you think starts strong in Omaha? Let us know your predictions! ⚾ #CWS2025
