The 2025 Men’s College World Series kicks Saturday off with a fun matchup between the No. 15 UCLA Bruins and the Murray State Racers on Saturday, June 14, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. This first-round matchup of Murray State vs. UCLA in Bracket 2 pits a nationally ranked UCLA team against the only regional 4 seed, Murray State, making their first college world series appearance. Game details, players to watch, and the TV broadcast schedule are below for you. 

Game Details

• Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
• Time: 2:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. CT / 11:00 a.m. PT)
• Location: Charles Schwab Field, Omaha, Nebraska
• TV/Streaming: ESPN (stream on Fubo or ESPN+), NCAA Coverage
• Bracket Context: Winner advances to face the Arkansas-LSU winner; loser faces the Arkansas-LSU loser in an elimination game on June 16.

Team Overviews

Murray State Racers (44-15, Missouri Valley Conference)

Murray State is the feel-good story of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As a No. 4 seed in the Oxford Regional, the Racers stunned host Ole Miss twice, showcasing their offense with 9- and 12-run games. They carried that momentum into the Durham Super Regional, where they outlasted Duke in a three-game series, clinching their first-ever College World Series berth with a 5-4 win on June 9, powered by Luke Mistone’s go-ahead homer in the eighth inning.

The Racers’ improbable run has been fueled by a balanced attack. Their offense erupted for 19 runs in Game 2 against Duke, but their pitching and defense sealed the deal in the low-scoring Game 3. With +3500 to +4500 odds to win the national title (depending on where you look), Murray State is a long shot, but they have shown they belong in the show. 

No. 15 UCLA Bruins (47-16, Big Ten)

UCLA is back in Omaha for the first time since winning the national title in 2013 (when they were in the PAC-12), marking their sixth College World Series appearance. The Bruins dominated their path to the CWS, sweeping UTSA in the Los Angeles Super Regional with 5-2 and 7-0 victories. Led by head coach John Savage, UCLA boasts a 22-8 Big Ten record and the latest odds for them to win the World Series are around +850.

The Bruins’ strength lies in their pitching depth and disciplined hitting. They racked up 10 hits in Game 1 against UTSA and leaned on shutdown pitching in Game 2. As the designated home team due to their higher seed, UCLA enters as the favorite to win the game. 

Key Players to Watch

Murray State

• Luke Mistone (INF): The hero of the Durham Super Regional, Mistone’s clutch eighth-inning homer against Duke sent Murray State to Omaha. 
• Jonathan Hogart (OF): Hogart tied a program record with his 22nd home run of the season in the Duke series, knotting the game at 3-3 in the seventh. 
• Graham Kelham (RHP): Kelham’s relief pitching has been pivotal, including a clutch performance in the ninth against Duke to secure the 5-4 win. 

UCLA

• Pitching Staff: UCLA’s pitching was lights-out against UTSA, allowing just two runs across two games. Expect a deep bullpen to keep Murray State’s bats in check.
• Lineup Leaders: The Bruins spread the wealth offensively, with 10 hits in Game 1 of the super regional. Their ability to string together rallies will challenge Murray State’s pitching.
• Team Discipline: UCLA’s .746 winning percentage and 31-7 home record reflect their consistency. Their experience in big games gives them an edge.

Game Prediction and Betting Odds

According to FanDuel Sportsbook, UCLA is a heavy favorite at -295 on the moneyline. Other places favor the Bruins to win the game by a single run putting the odds for Murray State to win at 46% to 54% for UCLA. 

Murray State’s offense has the potential to keep this game close, especially if Hogart and Mistone continue their hot hitting. However, UCLA’s pitching depth and tournament experience should give them the upper hand. I would love to see Cinderella continue going, but current prediction gives UCLA the edge. We’ll see though, it is baseball after all. 

Prediction: UCLA 8, Murray State 5

Why This Game Matters

For Murray State, this is a historic moment—their first College World Series appearance in over 80 years of program history. A win would cement their status as one of the greatest underdog stories in recent memory. For UCLA, a victory sets the tone for a deep run in Bracket 2, where they’ll face either No. 3 Arkansas or No. 6 LSU next. 

How to Watch

• TV: ESPN
• Streaming: Fubo, ESPN+
• Radio: Check local listings for UCLA and Murray State radio affiliates.
• Tickets: Available via ncaatickets.com for fans heading to Omaha.

Final Thoughts

The Murray State vs. UCLA matchup is a classic David vs. Goliath story to open the 2025 College World Series. The Racers’ heart and hustle make them a fan favorite, but UCLA’s talent and experience give them the edge. Expect a competitive game with plenty of drama as both teams vie for a spot in the winner’s bracket.